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You are here: Home / Weekend / Dates Are The New Spinach

March 29, 2011

Dates Are The New Spinach

Popeye used to down spinach for fuel.

I chomp down dates:

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When 11:00 rolled around Matt came a’tappin’ my shoulder for our run. I didn’t want to go. I did not have the energy and I was cold. Outside was colder! And cloudy. And we couldn’t decide on a route. All of our neighborhood routes have gotten boring.

I decided to pop a date for energy and BAM – we knocked out 6.5 miles on a new countryside route!! I swear it was all in the date that got me going! My miles weren’t easy or fast, but they were solid. That’s the farthest I’ve run since the fall. We finished the 10K in 58 minutes – 7 whole minutes slower than my fall race pace. But cold is cold.

Once home and showered, it was time for more fuel

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Spinach salad with bleu cheese, honey, olive oil and toasted buckwheat crunchies

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A pumpkin yogurt parfait, with more crunchies and some coconut

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And an apple with Spazzy Squirrel [the dessert!]

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We went through yet another keg of sparkling water – freshly made today!

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This lunch was surprisingly SUPER filling! I almost didn’t finish it all. But then the chocolate peanut butter tempted me 😉

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I have 2 hours to focus on work, and then we’re headed out for a fun event and meeting someone famous!!!

Filed Under: Weekend

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Comments

  1. Susan (Oliepants) says

    March 29, 2011 at 2:09 pm

    I have been into dates too and these days I have been putting peanut butter (or almond butter) inside the date as a snack. Keeps me full and happy!

    Reply
  2. klm says

    March 29, 2011 at 2:11 pm

    do you know what dates look like? I’ll give you a clue. They live in the carolinas and really really like fancy trees.

    Reply
    • KathEats says

      March 29, 2011 at 2:15 pm

      🙂 Still love ’em!

      Reply
    • Samantha Angela @ Bikini Birthday says

      March 29, 2011 at 2:19 pm

      I still don’t know what they look like, even with the clue.

      Reply
      • Johanna B says

        March 29, 2011 at 2:25 pm

        Clue: They have 6 legs and antennae. They also thrive in New Orleans.

        Reply
    • Katie (Sweet Tater) says

      March 29, 2011 at 9:34 pm

      i cannot eat dates because of this very reason.

      Reply
      • renee says

        April 2, 2011 at 7:48 pm

        Hee- I also always think of that when I see them 😉
        I used to like them, but now I find them disgustingly sweet.

        Reply
  3. klm says

    March 29, 2011 at 2:11 pm

    That being said I LOVE DATES!

    Reply
  4. Valerie @ City|Life|Eats says

    March 29, 2011 at 2:12 pm

    I love parfaits as a side to lunch. I often bring some with me to work 🙂

    Reply
  5. Stacy @ Every Little Thing says

    March 29, 2011 at 2:17 pm

    I have never had a date!

    and oooo someone famous!

    Reply
  6. Freya (Brit Chick Runs) says

    March 29, 2011 at 2:19 pm

    Ooh I had my best run in 3months the other day, after having some dates! A wonderfood, I reckon.

    Reply
  7. Holly @ The Runny Egg says

    March 29, 2011 at 2:19 pm

    I love dates — filled with PB or wrapped in bacon 🙂

    Or maybe both!

    Reply
    • Lucy @ The Sweet Touch says

      March 29, 2011 at 4:02 pm

      I like the way you think!

      Do you guys just eat one or two?

      Reply
  8. Jo @ Jo In the Kitchen says

    March 29, 2011 at 2:21 pm

    I’ve never actually had a date, but this makes me want to try them! Have a fun evening.

    Reply
  9. chloe@ 321delish says

    March 29, 2011 at 2:22 pm

    I have to say, I am always very impressed that you stick to 1 or 2 dates. When I get my hands on them, I end up eating an entire handful. I guess that means I have SUPER energy and SUPER strength 🙂

    Reply
  10. Justeen @ Blissful Baking says

    March 29, 2011 at 2:23 pm

    I am SO with you on the dates! I bought a huge container from Costco to have on hand when I need a boost of energy!

    Reply
  11. Cassie @ Tofu Meets Her Match says

    March 29, 2011 at 2:24 pm

    I just started using dates as mid-run fuel for my long runs. They sit so much better in my stomach than the chemical-y gels or chews, and they’re delicious! If only I could figure out how to inject them with some caffeine…

    Reply
    • Jazz says

      March 29, 2011 at 6:29 pm

      I have the solution for you! When I make my power balls, I grind up dates and coffee beans!

      Reply
  12. Heather (heathers dish) says

    March 29, 2011 at 2:26 pm

    I dont think I’ve ever had a fig before on it’s own, but I know I’ll love them when I DO have them!

    Reply
  13. Angela @ Eat Spin Run Repeat says

    March 29, 2011 at 2:28 pm

    Great job on the run Kath – I find that sometimes the hardest part is just getting out of the house! The pumpkin parfait looks divine!I can’t wait to hear about this “someone famous” that you’re going to meet! 🙂

    Reply
  14. Marina says

    March 29, 2011 at 2:30 pm

    I love dates, so sweet and chewy! But just one date can’t give me enough energy for anything 😀
    your lunch really looks appealing, I love when there are a lot of different things to munch on

    Reply
  15. Ashley @ Feeding Ashley says

    March 29, 2011 at 2:30 pm

    I can’t get past the texture of dates to love them.
    Your lunch looks awesome. I’m seriously craving that parfait now.

    Reply
  16. Averie (LoveVeggiesAndYoga) says

    March 29, 2011 at 2:31 pm

    I love dates! The best way is to stuff them with a schmear of PB and a few choc chips inside. It’s like biting into a piece of heaven for me 🙂

    A meeting with someone famous…ooooh how exciting! Have a great time and hope your 2 hours are productive til then!

    Reply
  17. Michelle B. says

    March 29, 2011 at 2:31 pm

    I’ve been meaning to pick up some dates, thanks for the nudge! Also, what do you use to carbonate your water? I love seltzer so much but I don’t want to keep buying bottles of it – it’s wasteful and expensive!

    Reply
    • KathEats says

      March 29, 2011 at 2:32 pm

      We have a CO2 tank for beer making

      Reply
    • Angie @ Musings of a Violet Monkey says

      March 29, 2011 at 3:07 pm

      Michelle – just my 2 cents…
      I have a SodaStream machine and LOVE it. (It retails for $99, but you can get it at Bed Bath & Beyond using their 20% off coupon).
      I *highly* recommend it! 🙂

      ~

      Reply
      • Michelle B. says

        March 29, 2011 at 3:12 pm

        Thanks Angie! I definitely need to get one of these soon.

        Reply
  18. Allison @ Happy Tales says

    March 29, 2011 at 2:38 pm

    yay for all of the dates lovin!! And you are meeting somebody famous?!!?!? Squeee that is very exciting! Can’t wait until you share the story with us 🙂

    Reply
  19. Sarena (The Non-Dairy Queen) says

    March 29, 2011 at 2:39 pm

    That is my kind of lunch! YUM! I’m glad you got the run out and it felt good. That definitely sets a great mood for the rest of the day. Have a great afternoon Kath!

    Reply
  20. Jessica @ How Sweet It Is says

    March 29, 2011 at 2:41 pm

    I love dates!

    Reply
  21. Holly @ Food, Make-up, Hair says

    March 29, 2011 at 2:49 pm

    I love sparkling water too – I need to try to make my own. I would love a tutorial on this…hint, hint, wink, wink 😉

    Reply
  22. Claire @ Live and Love to Eat says

    March 29, 2011 at 2:51 pm

    It makes me sound like such an old lady but prunes are my go-to power snack. Talk about concentrated energy!

    Reply
  23. Stacey says

    March 29, 2011 at 2:54 pm

    I love dates and dessert made with dates too 😉 .. cant wait to read about your fun evening!

    Reply
  24. Wendy says

    March 29, 2011 at 3:00 pm

    I love dates as well! One question… I’m always confused what to do with water/food when I run 5-7 miles… shorter, I just don’t worry abt it… longer, I make sure I run loops to have a fueling spot. What do you usually do? I can just get by feeling thirsty running 6-7 miles usually, but somehow think I’m not good to my body by doing that.

    Reply
    • KathEats says

      March 29, 2011 at 3:07 pm

      I wear a Camelbak (although not in the winter). Check out my Races page for more info

      Reply
  25. Camille says

    March 29, 2011 at 3:03 pm

    I can’t wait to hear about your famous person!

    Reply
  26. Flourchild says

    March 29, 2011 at 3:03 pm

    Im going to try a date before my next run!

    Reply
  27. Katie @ Nourishing Flourishing says

    March 29, 2011 at 3:04 pm

    I love dates as long as I can fill them with peanut butter! 🙂 So delicious. Congrats on the long run — wow!

    Reply
  28. Nikki T says

    March 29, 2011 at 3:08 pm

    Also LOVE dates!
    I want to reach into the screen and steal that PB from you!!
    Looking forward to tonight’s post about your fun event- have fun!!

    Reply
  29. Michelle (The Runner's Plate) says

    March 29, 2011 at 3:15 pm

    I need to get on this buckwheat wagon!

    Reply
  30. Anna @ Newlywed, Newly Veg says

    March 29, 2011 at 3:19 pm

    That’s a pretty powerful date 😉

    Reply
  31. Kristi @ KristiAteIt says

    March 29, 2011 at 3:22 pm

    For some reason, I don’t get that much fuel from dates. Not sure why.. But that pumpkin parfait looks like something I like to make!

    Reply
  32. Abby says

    March 29, 2011 at 3:27 pm

    That pumpkin parfait looks so great!

    Reply
  33. Ellie@fitforthesoul says

    March 29, 2011 at 3:28 pm

    TJs medjool dates seem to be especially chewy and sweet! haha lately I’ve been addicted to PB filled dates. OoOoo I wonder who that someone is~

    Reply
  34. Baking 'n' Books says

    March 29, 2011 at 3:30 pm

    Famous?

    Do you eat outside in the cold? Or is that just to make the pictures pretty? 🙂

    Reply
  35. Nacho Lindsay says

    March 29, 2011 at 3:33 pm

    You know what gives you TONS of energy? Nachos! And by energy, I mean just enough to finish your beer and stumble to the couch. 🙂

    Reply
  36. Angel7 says

    March 29, 2011 at 3:35 pm

    Dates must be the new superfood 🙂 Who knew that a small little thing packed such a punch!

    That salad looks delicious! My husband and I love bleu cheese.

    The whole meal looks great in picture, but I know that the taste of the food probably makes it worthy of five stars.

    http://faithfulsolutions.blogspot.com/

    Reply
  37. Emily @ Savory and Savage says

    March 29, 2011 at 3:36 pm

    Spinach salad with blue cheese is one of my favorite lunches.

    Reply
  38. Courtney @ The Granola Chronicles says

    March 29, 2011 at 3:43 pm

    I just bought some dates at TJ’s yesterday – can you believe I’ve never had them before?!

    Reply
  39. Alex says

    March 29, 2011 at 3:53 pm

    Now what exactly are these “buckwheat crunchies” ? And more importantly: Where can I get ’em? They look delicious…

    Reply
    • KathEats says

      March 29, 2011 at 4:09 pm

      Toasted buckwheat – found in the bulk foods aisle

      Reply
  40. Trainer Kjirsten- Balanced Healthy Life says

    March 29, 2011 at 3:54 pm

    I LOVE dates! I rarely eat them though! Nice job on the run!

    Reply
  41. Mary @ Bites and Bliss says

    March 29, 2011 at 3:54 pm

    Bananas are like your dates for me. Afew bites and I’m ready to go! Glad you two had a great run. It always plays true that the workouts you’re dreading the most end up being the best ones. 🙂

    Reply
  42. Simply Life says

    March 29, 2011 at 3:58 pm

    this reminds me that I haven’t had a date in far too long!

    Reply
  43. Amanda (The Nutritionist Reviews) says

    March 29, 2011 at 4:02 pm

    Wow sounds like some powerful dates! haha

    Reply
  44. Judy says

    March 29, 2011 at 4:04 pm

    Nice run! 2 dates? That is wild, less than 50 calories and it gives you that much energy? I’m jealous!

    Reply
  45. lynn @ the actor's diet says

    March 29, 2011 at 4:14 pm

    dates are so amazing. i don’t understand how some people (ahem, my husband) don’t like them!

    Reply
  46. Kiran @ KiranTarun.com says

    March 29, 2011 at 4:19 pm

    That pumpkin parfait reminds me of my Libby’s stash 😉

    Reply
  47. Heather @ Health, Happiness, and Hope says

    March 29, 2011 at 4:31 pm

    I absolutely love dates stuffed with almond butter! They are perfect pre-exercise food because they give you energy and hold over hunger, yet are not too dense or filling.

    Pumpkin and plain yogurt is the best combo!

    Reply
  48. Natalia - a side of simple says

    March 29, 2011 at 4:34 pm

    I’ve never tried a date before. Hm.. I think it will be the perfect vehicle for some chocolate peanut butter 😉

    Reply
  49. Alexa @ Simple Eats says

    March 29, 2011 at 4:40 pm

    Yum, what a good looking lunch, I’m jealous! 6.5 is unfathomable to me…awesome job!

    Reply
  50. Katie @ peacebeme says

    March 29, 2011 at 4:41 pm

    Many times, when I don’t feel like swimming and then I grab a healthy snack, I get such a boost of energy. Food is fuel!

    Reply
  51. Kate (What Kate is Cooking) says

    March 29, 2011 at 4:46 pm

    Pumpkin yogurt and an apple with a dip is always part of my lunch!

    Reply
  52. Julie @ Lettuce Choose Healthy says

    March 29, 2011 at 5:02 pm

    from not wanting to run .. to busting out 6.5 miles .. thats awesome!

    Reply
  53. Mom says

    March 29, 2011 at 5:36 pm

    Your great-grandmother Kiehne was nuts over dates. Stuffed them with peanut butter and rolled them in white sugar–old time Christmas treat especially.

    Reply
    • KathEats says

      March 29, 2011 at 7:37 pm

      I used to hate them at your Christmas parties!

      Reply
  54. Emilia says

    March 29, 2011 at 5:39 pm

    Whenever I eat a snack right before running, my stomach goes wild during the run due to the food wishing- and washing. That’s why the best time for me to run is in the morning, on a bare stomach, or a couple house after eating. I only wish I could eat a powering snack before running….
    Nice, simple meal!

    Reply
  55. Laughter-Loving Stacy says

    March 29, 2011 at 5:47 pm

    Nice lunch! I wonder who you’re meeting!! 🙂

    Reply
  56. MonsteRawr says

    March 29, 2011 at 5:53 pm

    Oh crap, do I feel you! Nothing will destroy my will-power and drive to hit the pavement like being cold. I’m hoping the warm weather that’s (hopefully) coming will help.

    Maybe I’ll have to give dates a try!

    Reply
  57. Joanne says

    March 29, 2011 at 5:54 pm

    I JUST read your post from last years 10K race (how did I miss that?!!!!). It’s a very late congrats. but CONGRATULATIONS! You did so good.
    As for your run today, great job. It just might be those dates. I love them in bread…hint, hint, hint 🙂

    Reply
    • KathEats says

      March 29, 2011 at 7:35 pm

      Haha – thanks!!

      Reply
  58. Maria says

    March 29, 2011 at 6:00 pm

    You eats look great today! Sometimes I love meals that aren’t just a sandwich. I will have to get my hands on some dates too, I’ve never had them and I’ve heard lots of good things1

    Reply
  59. Lesley Lifting Life says

    March 29, 2011 at 6:03 pm

    Choc peanut butter always tempts me too! 🙂

    Reply
  60. St. Pete says

    March 29, 2011 at 6:14 pm

    Love all the photos.

    Reply
  61. Grace says

    March 29, 2011 at 6:32 pm

    What Cville route was it?? I love running on country roads….

    Reply
    • KathEats says

      March 29, 2011 at 7:35 pm

      I’ll email you privately!

      Reply
  62. Cindy says

    March 29, 2011 at 6:36 pm

    Have fun meeting the celebrity!

    Reply
  63. rebecca lustig says

    March 29, 2011 at 6:53 pm

    All this talk about dates… Where’s my prince charming?!

    (Bad joke. Sorry!)

    Reply
    • KathEats says

      March 29, 2011 at 7:36 pm

      🙂

      Reply
  64. Emma (Namaste Everyday) says

    March 29, 2011 at 7:00 pm

    I need to get me some dates! I have been feeling a bit of a slump lately with my running, and I’ve never even tried a date before!

    Reply
  65. lauren @ spiced plate says

    March 29, 2011 at 7:00 pm

    I LOVE dates too. I do something weird (buy ayurvedic) with them. I soak them in milk overnight. The dates and milk turn into delicious bliss. You could even blend the dates (pitted) in the milk for a nourishing smoothie.

    Reply
    • KathEats says

      March 29, 2011 at 7:36 pm

      Soaked dates sounds pretty darn good!

      Reply
  66. Stacey (The Home-Cooked Vegan) says

    March 29, 2011 at 7:33 pm

    Ooooh I wonder who the famous person is!!

    I’m totally with you – I’m so bored with all of my usual routes that I’d sometimes rather just run at the gym (at least there is a TV in front of me!). Guess we need to fix this soon! Running shouldn’t be boring!

    Sounds like you had an awesome run though, and you still ARE fast! Have fun tonight 😀
    PS. I’ve never eaten a date! My dried fruit of choice right now are figs, but next I’m picking up some dates (<–the fruit, not men) 😉

    Reply
  67. Paige @Running Around Normal says

    March 29, 2011 at 7:41 pm

    I love that you can just whip out a 6.5 mile run! That’d be a production for me right now 😛

    Reply
  68. staceyhealthylife says

    March 29, 2011 at 7:48 pm

    I usually have a Larabar before my workouts and they really do the trick.

    Reply
  69. Hilary says

    March 29, 2011 at 7:54 pm

    YUM! LOVE dates…perhaps I will have to try them as pre-run fuel as well. I put some on a pizza last week with caramelized onions and goat cheese….delish! That lunch looks yummy as well…I see why you went back for the chocolate-pb!

    Reply
  70. Kat @ Cupcake Kat says

    March 29, 2011 at 8:28 pm

    I love munching on dates. Next time I’ll attention and see if they give me lots of energy! Your lunch looks so yummy

    Reply
  71. kate@ahealthypassion says

    March 29, 2011 at 8:33 pm

    I love dates, I stuff them with coconut butter, almond butter or pb soo good!

    Reply
  72. kaila@ healthy helper blog! says

    March 29, 2011 at 8:46 pm

    Dates are totally natures candy! They taste like carmel to me! My favorite way to enjoy them is dipped in sunflower seed butter…….heaven!

    Reply
  73. katy says

    March 29, 2011 at 9:02 pm

    eek! i can’t seem to do dates (or figs)…i think it is the squishy texture thing.

    Reply
  74. Hannah says

    March 29, 2011 at 9:55 pm

    It’s lovely to see the sunshine in your photos!

    Reply
  75. Angie @ Musings of a Violet Monkey says

    March 29, 2011 at 10:00 pm

    I LOVE dates…. mmm. My parents went to Southern CA last week to visit my little brother, and brought back a ton of dates for T and I… Medjool (which we usually buy), Deglet Noor (which I’ve never had) and others rolled in coconut, and some rolled in pecans. I had a pecan rolled date for “dessert” after lunch today… So delicious!

    ~

    Reply
  76. Kathleen @ KatsHealthCorner says

    March 29, 2011 at 10:53 pm

    Dates are delicious! 😀

    Reply
  77. Annette says

    March 30, 2011 at 2:01 pm

    I’ve just found your website and Medjool dates. Both are fabelous! I’m interested in your toasted buckwheat crunchies. I assume you just take buckwheat and toast in a dry pan? Aren’t they hard as a rock?

    Reply
    • KathEats says

      March 30, 2011 at 2:03 pm

      nope – I buy them toasted. They’re called kasha

      Reply
  78. Julia says

    March 30, 2011 at 8:49 pm

    I decided to have a date before my workout today and I had the best workout ever…so much energy. Thanks for the suggestion!

    Reply
    • KathEats says

      March 30, 2011 at 8:53 pm

      Awesome!

      Reply

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