tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5257754304312470772024-03-13T05:19:52.012-04:00Food.Fun.Fabulous.Life and style of a dietetics student.Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10269020292389071892noreply@blogger.comBlogger215125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-525775430431247077.post-77349508239812073492012-08-01T11:46:00.002-04:002012-08-01T11:46:44.553-04:00The Day The Earth Stood StillThe day has finally come and gone. I finished my internship on June 15, 2012, took a few weeks to relax, and then got my study on. Finally, yesterday was the day I signed up to take the RD exam. After constant heart palpitations for about an hour and a half I walked up to the test site administrator and got my results........I passed! I'm now a Registered Dietitian :) Best day ever!!!!<br />
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However, on that note, I have decided to officially end this blogging adventure. I haven't written a post in a long time. I am toying with the idea of starting a new one though. A more informative one with my newly credentialed self. Time to put on the thinking cap and come up with a creative new name.<br />
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Thanks for reading!Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10269020292389071892noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-525775430431247077.post-25235230968676765592012-01-08T19:32:00.001-05:002012-01-08T19:32:51.788-05:00Did you know supermarkets have dietitians?<p>It’s been a while. I wanted to write up about my week long rotation before but once I was home I really didn’t have much time. </p> <p>The last week of my internship during 2011 I got to spend some time working with Shari Steinbach, the lead dietitian for Meijer (a supermarket chain based out of Michigan but is also present in Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, and Kentucky). One of the very first experiences: a TV spot for a local news program! Now I didn’t get to actually go on TV but that would have been cool. I did however get to be behind the scenes and watch them film it. It was quite a lot of work for 4 minutes of air time! Shari was doing a segment on quick and healthy holiday meal ideas. For the appetizer, I actually made a cheese and cracker wreath</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-UQ28NlnmEsA/Two1nikVg7I/AAAAAAAADJI/Hn7b3IY6HvM/s1600-h/DSC02116%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC02116" border="0" alt="DSC02116" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-fDDpzvjw5z8/Two1n-FXfuI/AAAAAAAADJQ/p6KQTo3SEoM/DSC02116_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="304" height="404"></a></p> <p>cute right? Shari had made salmon with broccoli and wild/brown rice the night before to showcase. She also did some on-air prep of the salmon. For dessert she made a healthier apple strudel. Everything was delicious! Yes we ate the strudel at 10 AM hehehe <img style="border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-smile" alt="Smile" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-h5eyHgAsIxk/Two1oGz73oI/AAAAAAAADJY/xuhlHjR9-PQ/wlEmoticon-smile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800"></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Wzwxe96gFg4/Two1oSpWH9I/AAAAAAAADJg/TGexDVBaEFo/s1600-h/DSC02118%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC02118" border="0" alt="DSC02118" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-N_jRsFPSxGQ/Two1o9AfWdI/AAAAAAAADJo/OkwaklqhENo/DSC02118_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="304"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-PK01f2nIKUg/Two1pH4ofOI/AAAAAAAADJw/HRreneTojmo/s1600-h/DSC02117%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC02117" border="0" alt="DSC02117" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-guGWemt-k78/Two1pt8XuDI/AAAAAAAADJ4/mR0L2LX2Rpg/DSC02117_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="304"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-JNqTYNwYUYw/Two1p_8PAKI/AAAAAAAADKA/-_SW-staUjM/s1600-h/DSC02115%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC02115" border="0" alt="DSC02115" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-9cwiANtDlnA/Two1qPAZchI/AAAAAAAADKI/xQGrBAbGZQE/DSC02115_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="304"></a></p> <p>And here’s Shari with the host 30 seconds before air time. Oh and it was LIVE!</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-mHggX7vVJjU/Two1qbyy4zI/AAAAAAAADKQ/PIaTVFHtsNA/s1600-h/DSC02120%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC02120" border="0" alt="DSC02120" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Xhmzbht0rdM/Two1quHFCiI/AAAAAAAADKY/niAleSvDjnA/DSC02120_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="304"></a></p> <p>The dietitians who work for Meijer do a lot of TV time. Between the 5 of them, they do about 110 TV spots per quarter! The job also involves a lot of writing, specifically for the consumer so it is both factual but also creative so that it is not a bore to read. Shari and I also made a healthy dinner for a local Gilda’s Club. If you don’t know what Gilda’s Club is, it’s an organization that provides support for those dealing with cancer.</p> <p>I had an amazing week at Meijer and absolutely loved the job. I’m really hoping that I can find a job in DC like that. *fingers crossed* I’m also hoping to be able to spend another week with them towards the end of my rotation since it was so fun. <img style="border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-openmouthedsmile" alt="Open-mouthed smile" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-NlGP7ZEKbXk/Two1qjcJ8NI/AAAAAAAADKg/A8P4-H2j590/wlEmoticon-openmouthedsmile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800"></p> <p>After that rotation I actually got to go home! I flew home Christmas Eve morning and boy was the airport busy. My week went by super fast but I loved it. I spent time with family, had a great Christmas, worked a little bit, and flew back to Michigan New Year’s morning. So yeah New Years Eve wasn’t too crazy for me LOL.</p> <p>My week was filled with Christmas cookies and other goodies but the only pictures I have are a couple from Christmas brunch. My handy dandy work from Pinterest – the Christmas Fruit Tree</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-BadaztxC1JM/Two1rBuvB3I/AAAAAAAADKo/D7e9eBQllCU/s1600-h/DSC02123%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC02123" border="0" alt="DSC02123" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-jApaBqYQ2xw/Two1rjb6X0I/AAAAAAAADKw/_0R67A0JgKo/DSC02123_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="304" height="404"></a></p> <p>My nephew Charlie really enjoyed the fruit tree. He kept popping off the fruit before I could even take a picture! On my tree was cantaloupe, kiwi, blueberries, strawberries, green grapes, and dried cranberries.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-MVwTfw8U8zU/Two1r7ygIdI/AAAAAAAADK4/0FppSfaOLSk/s1600-h/DSC02121%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC02121" border="0" alt="DSC02121" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-BkXktrxPeyA/Two1sYH8AYI/AAAAAAAADLA/FNCOOi1SD0k/DSC02121_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="304"></a></p> <p>I also made an absolutely delicious frittata. I got the recipe from Eating Well: <a href="http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes/baked_asparagus_cheese_frittata.html" target="_blank">Baked Asparagus and Cheese Frittata</a>. Except I added a little bit of sausage. I was planning on using turkey sausage but forgot to buy it so I used regular pork sausage instead. Not too much, just enough for a little bit of extra flavor. The boys in the family were being a bit pessimistic about my frittata but afterwards I got the seal of approval from my Dad. That’s good enough for me <img style="border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-smile" alt="Smile" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-h5eyHgAsIxk/Two1oGz73oI/AAAAAAAADJY/xuhlHjR9-PQ/wlEmoticon-smile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800"> I also forgot to get a picture before it got dug into….. But you get the idea.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-9w5eB0rUCDU/Two1shqCEFI/AAAAAAAADLI/b5RUSarbC98/s1600-h/DSC02124%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC02124" border="0" alt="DSC02124" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-jFGSgR0A7UU/Two1s6vB4RI/AAAAAAAADLQ/wcPnNh8a2mw/DSC02124_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="304"></a></p> <p>Now I’m back in MI and I started my clinical rotation last week. More on that later since this is long enough!</p> Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10269020292389071892noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-525775430431247077.post-67220457483468870952011-12-19T20:06:00.001-05:002011-12-19T20:06:13.443-05:005 Weeks in School Food Service: A Wrap-Up<p>Those 5 weeks sure flew by, partially I believe because of Thanksgiving break and then there was also a snow day. Add in 3 “class days” and I really only got to spend 19 days instead of 25! But I still managed to complete all my necessary competencies and have a lot of fun at the same time.</p> <p>One of the first things I had to learn was what is considered a “reimbursable meal” by the government. Of course there are a lot of changes that will be taking place in the next couple of years but as of now they can offer 5 items (meat/meat alternate, grains, vegetable, fruit, milk) and if the student takes 3 out of 5 items, the meal is reimbursable. The biggest qualm I had with the video I watched was that 1 egg counted as 2 meat servings. What is that all about? For breakfast, 4 items must be offered and 3 chosen for a reimbursable meal. In this instance, a student could choose 1 hardboiled egg and a milk carton and it would be counted because according to the national school breakfast program that is equivalents to 2 meats and 1 milk (3 items). However, if the student chooses a bagel and a milk, it only counts as 2 items because a whole bagel is considered 1 grain serving. Alright now, bagels these days are twice the size they used to be, about 6 inches in diameter and the equivalent of 3-4 slices of bread. How can that count as 1 grain serving, yet 1 egg is going to be counted as 2 meat servings? I’m so glad these rules are getting revamped.</p> <p>Done venting. Kind of <img style="border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-winkingsmile" alt="Winking smile" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-mufbSCXfXi8/Tu_fc_BylqI/AAAAAAAADHg/0358hgMCIxo/wlEmoticon-winkingsmile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800"></p> <p>Don’t get me wrong, I really enjoyed my rotation. But I think there is a lot that needs to be changed. The menu rotated the same items monthly so there was a lot of variation from week to week but the options weren’t the greatest. Chicken Nuggets, Popcorn Chicken, Mini Corn Dogs, Pizza Sticks, Nachos, Hamburgers. And that’s just the elementary school! The middle and high schools have those items on the main menu as well but they also have “specialty bar” daily consisting of a rotating schedule of taco bar, country chicken bar, burger bar, deli bar……. And EVERY DAY if the kids don’t like the main entrée or the specialty bar they have the options of cheeseburger, chicken sandwich, and pizza. Now they do have salads, yogurt, string cheese, fruit, and vegetables to offer but I did not witness many students taking these options. The vegetables were typically frozen which nutritionally is great but they looked unappealing. Overcooked broccoli stems and asparagus bits. Even I didn’t want to eat it just by looking at it. And the fruit was often hard to see amidst the rest of the options. Oh but don’t worry there are cookies right before the end of the line. And they put out more chocolate milk than anything else. Heck they didn’t even have skim milk at all because the kids wouldn’t take it!</p> <p>Oh the work that needs to be done in getting kids to like healthier foods……</p> <p>I did have some breakthroughs. I held a taste test for maple roasted sweet potatoes which were a hit (among the kids brave enough to actually try it). The food service director was so pleased that he added it to the menu the next week.</p> <p>I also had to do a theme meal while I was there so I took over the specialty bar and had a Mediterranean meal.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-QyAHSGsHIJ0/Tu_fdf6_MEI/AAAAAAAADHo/mCuZ55yuHdw/s1600-h/SAM_0104%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="SAM_0104" border="0" alt="SAM_0104" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-pzG5S99Kzbg/Tu_fd1hCo6I/AAAAAAAADHw/kpPtj6qu-Nc/SAM_0104_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="304"></a></p> <p>I prepared Chicken with Tzatziki</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-vXdGGJr-HX0/Tu_feOfchRI/AAAAAAAADH4/mX289-uGZtc/s1600-h/SAM_0109%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="SAM_0109" border="0" alt="SAM_0109" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-uMFDVpe2kp4/Tu_feGeMbpI/AAAAAAAADIA/UhydNLyGxt0/SAM_0109_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="304" height="404"></a></p> <p> Pitas with Hummus, Tomato, & Lettuce</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-cLOVBBvQAu8/Tu_feYhzseI/AAAAAAAADII/mTGGL6UrKrE/s1600-h/SAM_0105%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="SAM_0105" border="0" alt="SAM_0105" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-u4s5KTVVeIc/Tu_fe_1qOPI/AAAAAAAADIQ/QDnWSa-oROs/SAM_0105_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="304" height="404"></a></p> <p>Cucumber-Tomato Salad</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-WtYE7exh_rU/Tu_ffgZwoqI/AAAAAAAADIY/MdBbJP568Tg/s1600-h/SAM_0106%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="SAM_0106" border="0" alt="SAM_0106" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-YtnXpqBVg1E/Tu_ff81M81I/AAAAAAAADIg/BdErCA3lTEk/SAM_0106_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="304" height="404"></a></p> <p>Greek Pasta Salad</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-htG7RGQIVig/Tu_fgbX-LWI/AAAAAAAADIo/83KhPmvyRss/s1600-h/SAM_0111%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="SAM_0111" border="0" alt="SAM_0111" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-lCbc3sz5JzU/Tu_fgx9oKdI/AAAAAAAADIw/OPinfS9T9co/SAM_0111_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="304" height="404"></a></p> <p> and even had small servings of Baklava. We also set out grapes because I noticed that is the one fruit the kids go crazy for. The meal went pretty well. The kids were interested in trying something new and some were even glad to see fresh vegetables.</p> <p>Besides spending time in the kitchen and serving the kiddos, I also had to do some education components. My first week I actually had to give a presentation to the high school wrestling team! It was my first time teaching older kids and I thought it went well. You just gotta take what they throw at you and throw it back to them. Don’t let them walk all over you, otherwise you’ll get nowhere in presenting the information. Later in my rotation I also gave a lesson on MyPlate to a 3rd grade class. That was a lot of fun – they were so smart! We made lists of foods to go in each group and they came up with some amazing ones like artichoke and pomegranate. I had no idea 3rd graders knew what those were! I also brought some food for them to make their own trail mix with chex, sunflower seeds, and raisins.</p> <p>So of course there was more but those were the major projects. When I was learning about food service in school, I was so bored and it was my least favorite. When applying for internships, I thought that food service would be the worst out of the the three areas (food service, community, and clinical). However, now that I’ve finished both food service rotations (hospital and school) and ABSOLUTELY LOVED both of them, I know that it’s not as bad as I once thought it was. In fact, I could totally see myself as a school food service director one day! Of course I’ll be that kick-butt one that strives to give the students healthier options. <img style="border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-smile" alt="Smile" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-9yi6w8xR0Bw/Tu_fhEUQ1FI/AAAAAAAADI4/HWqVlIrDRkc/wlEmoticon-smile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800"></p> <p>I’ve got a pretty special rotation going on this week too which I’ll fill you in on later. Then it’s back home for a week, first time since I started my internship in August!</p> Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10269020292389071892noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-525775430431247077.post-24040203158579883072011-12-14T22:16:00.001-05:002011-12-14T22:16:06.670-05:00Run Like the Dickens – Round Two<p>Last year around this time I made my way to Michigan for my internship interview and it happened to be the weekend of the Run Like the Dickens 5k in Holly. Shortly before (less than a month I’d say) I begun “training”, really getting into running for the first time. My first 5k was more walk than run and I finished in 41:14, a 13:17 pace.</p> <p>This past Saturday I decided to go for it again. Now this will have been my 4th race (Run Like the Dickens 2010, Warrior Dash 2011, Great Turtle Run 2011, Run Like the Dickens 2011).</p> <p>I awoke bright and early on Saturday, ate a slight of toast with p.b. and a banana, drank a cup of coffee and checked the temperature. It was an extremely chilly 12 degrees. I ended up wearing two pairs of yoga pants because I don’t own any running tights, a running turtleneck, and an active wear coat. Many many layers, but after freezing my butt off last year and it was even warmer then, I figured I would need it. Turns out I was right.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-KFBpbv7t8to/TulmbmBOK2I/AAAAAAAADG8/7JlLk_o-dHU/s1600-h/rltd2011%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="rltd2011" border="0" alt="rltd2011" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-pPHUAeOGkMk/TulmcHfWh8I/AAAAAAAADHE/5qyTI2a8gE0/rltd2011_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="304"></a></p> <p>Don’t I look cold? That’s me with my Uncle Steve by the way. He wasn’t as cold as me <img style="border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-smile" alt="Smile" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Di3tBpTnQXw/Tulmcy0-VoI/AAAAAAAADHM/ElI4W4VYT0s/wlEmoticon-smile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800"></p> <p>It was so cold in fact that at the start of the race, they announced that we needed to be careful because the salt wasn’t melting the ice. Oh joy.</p> <p>It turned out to be a great run though. At the beginning my feet were numb and I was a little worried. But by the time I got to the first mile I could feel my feet and by the time I reached a mile and a half, my whole body was feeling good. Even my breathing was fine which is unusual for me when running in cold water. I was warmed up and feeling great. Until I hit mile 2 when my left knee started to hurt. That darn knee always screws me up. So I did some speed walking and tried to run some more but I didn’t do much until the last 0.1 where I sprinted.</p> <p>I came in at 35:54, a 11:34 pace. That’s 5 minutes and 20 seconds taken off my time from last year! I was so excited! But I could only imagine what my time would have been if I didn’t have to stop for my knee.</p> <p>So I’m pretty darn proud of myself for that one. I bought a knee brace the other day to see if that will help me from now on. I’m not signed up for any more races at the moment but I hope to be soon <img style="border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-openmouthedsmile" alt="Open-mouthed smile" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-QbObfLH78Ik/TulmdfG7x4I/AAAAAAAADHU/tzSzsRpAwm8/wlEmoticon-openmouthedsmile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800"> And who knows, maybe I’ll have to make it an annual trip to MI to relive my inaugural race.</p> Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10269020292389071892noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-525775430431247077.post-58560231621552517482011-12-04T15:51:00.001-05:002011-12-04T15:51:07.810-05:00So Far So Good…..Except For One Little Thing<p>It’s been two days since I set new goals for myself and so far I’ve been pretty good, though since I’ve been home all weekend that has made it easier to eat better. Meaning I’ve had lots of time to spend in the kitchen (my favorite room of the house)!</p> <p>Yesterday for breakfast I enjoyed what I consider my trademark eggs – Spinach & Feta. There’s even a diner down the street that has a spinach and feta omelet and guess what it’s called???? The NEW YORK omelet! How appropriate <img style="border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-openmouthedsmile" alt="Open-mouthed smile" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-gZGokrU32qI/TtvdNarjnVI/AAAAAAAADGM/JW3vcmgfKoE/wlEmoticon-openmouthedsmile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800"></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-vcFm3ZaP5Ic/TtvdNgtFRwI/AAAAAAAADGU/mdy0Ealn9S8/s1600-h/DSC02107%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC02107" border="0" alt="DSC02107" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-3WKbqxfwrDg/TtvdN37F1fI/AAAAAAAADGc/fU86MUOeQDQ/DSC02107_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="304"></a></p> <p>MIne is less omelet, more scramble due to the fact that I always seem to get the stuff to the bottom of the pan. I can only work with non-stick. Stainless steel hates me.</p> <p>+ 2 clementines since they’re in season!</p> <p>And this morning I enjoyed a couple more clementines along with another delicious item</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-wwnD_4QIX60/TtvdOHQqPdI/AAAAAAAADGk/daUQi1yoGKA/s1600-h/DSC02108%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC02108" border="0" alt="DSC02108" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Sbfl2kPRXq0/TtvdOkze6nI/AAAAAAAADGs/LkbTAOgDybo/DSC02108_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="304"></a></p> <p>Last night I made <a href="http://www.preventionrd.com/meatless-monday-vegan-pumpkin-gingerbread/#comment-70780" target="_blank">PreventionRD’s Vegan Pumpkin Gingerbread</a>! I made a lot of good things this weekend but this is the only snapshot so far. Whenever I try to take “the process” photos they just look awful. I’ll have to work on that.</p> <p>I also made tzatziki and roasted garlic hummus last night, all while listening (and slightly watching) Christmas movies. I know I said I was limiting tv time to less than 2 hours but since I was really in the kitchen with the tv on in the background I didn’t think it counted LOL. I listened to Babes in Toyland while cooking, actually sat down and watched It’s A Wonderful Life (my first time seeing the whole thing at once), and then listened to A Christmas Carol (the Jim Carrey version) while cleaning the house. I didn’t pay full attention to A Christmas Carol obviously, plus the vacuum was loud, but I didn’t really like it.</p> <p>My kitchen adventures continued today (even overnight actually) with my black bean soup. I had to soak the beans overnight, cook them this morning, and then finally make the soup. What a long process! This time I just turned on the Christmas radio station <img style="border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-smile" alt="Smile" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-K_XNURdLq9o/TtvdO3BmbjI/AAAAAAAADG0/RP4frJL3ExQ/wlEmoticon-smile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800">. So I’ve got a lot of healthy, homemade options to eat this week after all the kitchen love.</p> <p>I did get my booty to exercise today despite the gloomy weather. I took advantage of Netflix and did Crunch: Bootcamp.</p> <p>…………..Now for the bad news. Awful news. For me at least. I let the direct domain that I bought for my blog expire back in September and I just never renewed it. It’s only $10 for the year but I’m unbelievably broke and just didn’t do it. I honestly didn’t think anyone else would buy. But when I looked yesterday, someone did. I’m mad, disappointed, frustrated. I came up with the name and someone basically just stole it. It doesn’t even seem like a legit site either. So from now on DO NOT go directly to foodfunfabulous.com . To get to my blog you have to go to foodfunfabulous.blogspot.com</p> <p>It won’t be bad forever anyway because I was considering starting a new blog next year once I get my RD licensure. When that time comes, I’ll let ya know.</p> <p>Alright, tomorrow is Monday again. Only 2 more weeks left of my school food service rotation and lots to do! Full re-cap will follow completion of the rotation.</p> Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10269020292389071892noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-525775430431247077.post-56038648627620326512011-12-02T14:25:00.001-05:002011-12-02T14:25:57.286-05:00Why Wait Until January 1st?<p>So it’s been a while, almost a month, since my last post. Honestly I’ve been lacking inspiration about what I wanted to write that wasn’t going to be just “this is what I ate today” or something to that effect. I still don’t take as many pictures as I used to (I swear my camera battery dies in 2 seconds) and I just want to write more meaningful posts. With that said, although today is the second day of December, this morning I came up with what I wanted to do and what I wanted to write.</p> <p>I’m going to give myself some goals for December. Why wait until January 1st? If it’s something I really want to focus on, I’m not going to wait until the new year to make a resolution that is just going to discarded like it was never even thought about. I honestly believe that since I’ve started my internship I’ve eaten more fast food and pizza (out of convenience) than ever before. How is that going to work if I’m telling other people not to do that? I’ve been seriously slacking and need to take responsibility.</p> <p><strong><em><font size="4">Goal #1: Re-focus on whole, unprocessed foods</font></em></strong>.</p> <p>I’ve already begun this by loading up on my fruits and veggies the past few days. But I tell ya, a big ol’ bowl of cold salad greens is not exactly what I crave in the winter. So this weekend, it’s soup making time! As for this snowy morning? Well I had a delicious bowl of pumpkin oats.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-4aLho4zFmUc/TtkmPORiesI/AAAAAAAADFU/rENfD4lfRw4/s1600-h/DSC02102%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC02102" border="0" alt="DSC02102" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-jbXZZ__3_wM/TtkmPdSZRII/AAAAAAAADFc/xy5tTmWAC9Q/DSC02102_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="304"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-EaHTZltmAEs/TtkmP3Tk1ZI/AAAAAAAADFk/mD2n9czwAtQ/s1600-h/DSC02103%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC02103" border="0" alt="DSC02103" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-hqM9Zqq1D1g/TtkmQApsdCI/AAAAAAAADFs/ZygCQlb5Cd8/DSC02103_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="304"></a></p> <p>In the mix: </p> <ul> <li>Steel cut oats</li> <li>Skim Milk</li> <li>Pumpkin</li> <li>Cinnamon, Ginger, Cloves, & Nutmeg</li> <li>Walnuts</li> <li>Secret Ingredient</li></ul> <p>What’s my secret ingredient? CHOBANI! I was fortunate to get 2 large containers, a 0% Plain and a 2% Plain, a little while ago and have been incorporating it into my meals. Using it in my smoothies was another thing I did last week. It’s also great in mashed potatoes instead of using sour cream! And my next plan? Making Tzatziki! I’m setting up a Mediterranean themed meal at the high school (I’m in my school food service rotation) and one of the items I will be making Chicken Kabobs with my Chobani Tzatziki sauce. </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-PMQmkXAUFYM/TtkmQgskuMI/AAAAAAAADF0/AvbjoM8hGy0/s1600-h/DSC02105%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC02105" border="0" alt="DSC02105" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-6KyZCVPtGCI/TtkmQ0bUqeI/AAAAAAAADF8/A6LvKk_zD0E/DSC02105_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="304"></a></p> <p>Now back to my goals. The other thing I have to be honest about is my lack of exercise. In the spring, I was doing P90X and feeling great. Now I just haven’t been fitting it in. I make excuses. I drive 2-3 hours a day for my commute (round trip) depending on which location I’m working at. It’s a lot of driving. I get tired. I’m just plain lazy about it. While I did do the Great Turtle Run in October and am going to be doing a 5k next weekend, I really haven’t been going out running much. There’s lots that need to be adjusted here.</p> <p><strong><em><font size="4">Goal #2: Re-focus on exercise. Work-out at least 3 days per week.</font></em></strong></p> <p>My next goal ties in with the last one. I’ve been watching way too much tv lately. I come home and plop down on the couch, basically staying there until I go to bed, even eating dinner in front of the tv. I must be there for 3-4 hours at least. Usually I’m multi-tasking by working/playing on my computer too.</p> <p><strong><em><font size="4">Goal #3: Limit tv time to less than 2 hours per day.</font></em></strong></p> <p>I was going to say less than 1 hour but come on let’s be serious. Especially if I want to watch a movie <img style="border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-smile" alt="Smile" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-cCcYAtyD7MI/TtkmRCkFuMI/AAAAAAAADGE/TjQl8AXyqf0/wlEmoticon-smile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800"></p> <p><font size="3"></font> </p> <p>So those are my goals for this month. It’s always nice to feel a little recommitment and drive to do something. Here’s to starting off with a re-focused, re-energized, re-evaluated, really great weekend! TGIF!</p> Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10269020292389071892noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-525775430431247077.post-26359859400651323932011-11-09T21:36:00.001-05:002011-11-09T21:36:28.169-05:00Breastfeeding is definitely not basic!<p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-7i2Zsnk_z64/Trs4noU926I/AAAAAAAADDg/i9TcBGITimc/s1600-h/DSC02096%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC02096" border="0" alt="DSC02096" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-lQsM9pC0-nc/Trs4n4deccI/AAAAAAAADDo/xAxJ93CV63c/DSC02096_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="304" height="404"></a></p> <p>The past two days my fellow MSU dietetic interns and I were required to attend a “Breastfeeding Basics” class held by WIC. Honestly, I thought it was extremely interesting but I think I might be more overwhelmed now than before! We started out discussing the attitudes about breastfeeding. While I was not breastfed (and I do rag on my mother for not doing so), many in my family have breastfed so it is not a new concept to me. In fact both of my nephews and my niece were breastfed for some time. I also hope that when it’s my turn to start having children, that I am blessed enough to be able to breastfeed too. But not everyone has the same belief and attitude about breastfeeding as I do. I know that there are people who are very uncomfortable with it, especially about the whole “breastfeeding in public” thing. I mean seriously, if the woman is doing it discreetly then don’t have a hissy fit about it. Just my opinion. So no one better give me trouble when it’s me <img style="border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-winkingsmile" alt="Winking smile" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-1RZ1rUYf6xw/Trs4oNItNqI/AAAAAAAADDw/FxlcAkstz_I/wlEmoticon-winkingsmile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800"> . Newsflash – my breast is not some sexual object when I’m feeding my child. Grow up.</p> <p>Our second topic of discussion was the consequences of <strong>NOT</strong> breastfeeding. This one is huge. Breast milk and formula are not equal. Not even close. Here’s a quote from the Surgeon General’s Call to Action to Support Breastfeeding 2011: “There are health risks associated with formula feeding and early weaning from breastfeeding.” You read that right – “<strong>RISKS.</strong>” In fact, infants who are <strong>NOT BREASTFED</strong> are at <strong>INCREASED</strong> risk for:</p> <ul> <li>Otitis Media (Ear Infections)</li> <li>Gastroenteritis (Diarrhea)</li> <li>Severe lower respiratory infections</li> <li>Atopic dermatitis (Eczema)</li> <li>Asthma</li> <li>Allergies</li> <li>Childhood obesity</li> <li>Type 2 diabetes</li> <li>Childhood Leukemia</li> <li>SIDS</li> <li>Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC)</li></ul> <p>But it’s not just baby who gets the short end of the stick. Mothers who do <strong>NOT BREASTFEED</strong> are at <strong>INCREASED</strong> risk for:</p> <ul> <li>Breast cancer</li> <li>Ovarian cancer</li> <li>Postpartum depression</li></ul> <p>There are also non-health related consequences. Formula feeding means more laundry stains, more bottles and nipples to wash, and more prep time. There’s increased environmental waste (formula canisters end up in landfills + transportation costs). The big hitter is the economic impact. Formula costs about $1200-$1500 per year not including more doctor’s visits, prescriptions, hospitalizations, and wages lost due to staying home with a sick baby. You know how much you hear how obesity costs our health care system? It’s not alone. “If 90% of US families could breastfeed exclusively for 6 months, the US would save <strong><em>$13 billion</em></strong> <strong><em>per year</em></strong>. </p> <p>We also learned about the anatomy and physiology surrounding breastfeeding. I won’t go into too much detail about this one but basically a huge hormone party going on. And we learned the importance of the first milk produced, Colostrum. It’s low in volume but has high levels of antibodies for the baby, more protein and vitamins and less fat and carbohydrates than mature milk, and it coats the baby’s gut to keep out proteins that are too large and may cause allergies. After the baby is born, the hormones prolactin and oxytocin help to produce mature milk by day 3 to 5. I guess a lot of mother’s get nervous when they are not producing a high volume of milk as soon as the baby is born. This is actually not a big deal, the colostrum is enough for baby in the very beginning. On Day 1, the baby’s stomach can only hold 5-7ml (size of a shooter marble). By Day 3 it increases to 22-27ml (size of a ping pong ball) and by Day 10 it increases to 60-81ml (size of a large chicken egg). We got these things called belly balls for examples.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-qJS0xPYO0xQ/Trs4oimhSjI/AAAAAAAADD4/c64Wh784lpE/s1600-h/DSC02097%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC02097" border="0" alt="DSC02097" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-9PNCu0QJhyE/Trs4o6Q0EPI/AAAAAAAADEA/LWnmfJ-fi3Y/DSC02097_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="304"></a></p> <p>If you’re worried about milk production, frequent feedings in the first few days helps milk production increase. Some risk factors that may delay production include:</p> <ul> <li>Cesarean delivery</li> <li>Obesity</li> <li>Type 1 diabetes</li> <li>Hypothyroidism</li> <li>Mothers in their 40s</li> <li>Retained placental fragments</li></ul> <p>Using a breast pump might be a good idea to keep the milk flowing as well.</p> <p>Another part of the class was about mother and baby together. Here we talked about the importance of skin-to-skin. I had no idea about this prior to taking this class. Apparently if the mother holds her baby skin-to-skin after giving birth it</p> <ul> <li>Warms baby</li> <li>Decreases pain and stress</li> <li>Helps immune system</li> <li>Reduces infant crying</li> <li>Improves attachment and breastfeeding</li></ul> <p>Baby has been attached to Mommy for 9 months, they don’t want to be abruptly taken away and passed around with all sorts of weird smells and sounds and scary surroundings. This is something I plan on demanding when I have children. Nurse you are not taking my baby away to complete your little checklist of to-do’s. I’m going to hold my baby close to me, no ifs, ands, or buts.</p> <p>Another one of the big things that I got from this training was that baby knows what its doing. They have an inborn ability to know how to breastfeed. It’s pretty amazing if you think about it. However, a good latch is the key to success here and mommy can help baby with that. There are different positions and techniques so you just have to figure out what works best for you and baby together.</p> <p>The last thing I’ll discuss is our review of nutrition. Our breast milk is unique and the composition is constantly changing. If you compare breast milk with formula the differences are pretty vast.</p> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="400"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="200"> <p align="center"><strong><em>Breast Milk</em></strong></p></td> <td valign="top" width="200"> <p align="center"><strong><em>Formula</em></strong></p></td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="200"> <p align="center">Water</p></td> <td valign="top" width="200"> <p align="center">Water</p></td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="200"> <p align="center">Protein</p></td> <td valign="top" width="200"> <p align="center">Protein</p></td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="200"> <p align="center">Carbohydrates</p></td> <td valign="top" width="200"> <p align="center">Carbohydrates</p></td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="200"> <p align="center">DHA/ARA</p></td> <td valign="top" width="200"> <p align="center">DHA/ARA</p></td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="200"> <p align="center">Fat</p></td> <td valign="top" width="200"> <p align="center">Fat</p></td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="200"> <p align="center">Vitamins</p></td> <td valign="top" width="200"> <p align="center">Vitamins</p></td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="200"> <p align="center">Minerals</p></td> <td valign="top" width="200"> <p align="center">Minerals</p></td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="200"> <p align="center">Enzymes</p></td> <td valign="top" width="200"> </td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="200"> <p align="center">Growth Factors</p></td> <td valign="top" width="200"> </td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="200"> <p align="center">Anti-Parasites</p></td> <td valign="top" width="200"> </td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="200"> <p align="center">Anti-Allergies</p></td> <td valign="top" width="200"> </td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="200"> <p align="center">Anti-Viruses</p></td> <td valign="top" width="200"> </td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="200"> <p align="center">Hormones</p></td> <td valign="top" width="200"> </td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="200"> <p align="center">Antibodies</p></td> <td valign="top" width="200"> </td></tr></tbody></table> <p>For optimal nutrition, mommy should take prenatal vitamins. However those who are very restrictive vegetarians, have Crohn’s disease or other malabsorption disorders, or have a history of gastric bypass/bariatric surgery, should see a dietitian. Baby is going to need some supplemental nutrition as well. When they are first born they will get a shot of vitamin K. Those babies who are exclusively breastfed should also be given 400 IU of vitamin D per day because it is highly likely that mommy is deficient and already has a low supply. Fluoride may need to be supplemented in babies older than 6 months if it is not in the water supply and Iron will be in solid foods starting at 6 months of age.</p> <p>There is a lot more information but I think this post is long enough and you get the picture.</p> <p>While I am neither pregnant nor breastfeeding, I’d say my nutrition was pretty good the past two days. The Kellogg Center in East Lansing has some really good food! For breakfasts I had oatmeal with berries, extra fruit on the side (pineapple and grapes), a couple eggs, and coffee. I was too hungry for pictures at that point in the morning! Lunches were very colorful and delicious as well.</p> <p>DAY 1 – Caeser Salad, White Bean Salad, & Sundried Tomato, Zucchini, & Goat Cheese Pizza. (Dessert unpictured: a mini éclair!)</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Mg_yF39xzeo/Trs4pajfKdI/AAAAAAAADEI/nxyfpxZWjjQ/s1600-h/DSC02093%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC02093" border="0" alt="DSC02093" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-7QogJBgMcnA/Trs4pnG7_xI/AAAAAAAADEQ/OiroeSsQ9UA/DSC02093_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="304"></a></p> <p>DAY 2 – Caprese Salad, Caeser Salad, Veggie Mix (mostly zucchini), Penne w/ spinach, & Garlic bread (Dessert unpictured: tiramisu!)</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-lzGmNDn-h9Y/Trs4qBudpLI/AAAAAAAADEY/WpxnB3uq_9M/s1600-h/DSC02094%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC02094" border="0" alt="DSC02094" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-WxpiMDEqgdc/Trs4qob_wuI/AAAAAAAADEg/SJwxS2p9Lq0/DSC02094_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="304"></a></p> <p>It’s okay that I had dessert at lunch two days in a row. Not only did I go to the gym, I also danced my booty off with the other interns on Tuesday night. Oh the memories!!! <img style="border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-openmouthedsmile" alt="Open-mouthed smile" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-FWuwMn59Xco/Trs4qoeD5yI/AAAAAAAADEo/T5PWMpqJHSs/wlEmoticon-openmouthedsmile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800"> I’m sure those pictures will be up on Facebook later hahaha</p> <p> </p> <p>Hope you found some of the information today to be as interesting as I thought it was. *Fingers crossed* that I have no problems breastfeeding when I have children!</p> Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10269020292389071892noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-525775430431247077.post-68152186099511631652011-10-23T17:27:00.001-04:002011-10-23T17:27:46.161-04:00The Great Turtle Run on Mackinac Island<p>On Saturday I ran the furthest I’ve ever done at one time. It was a huge accomplishment for me. It wasn’t quite a 10k but almost. My aunt had invited my to join her on the Great Turtle Run up on Mackinac Island (in Michigan by the upper peninsula). She did it last year and wanted to show me the island anyway. So even though I had previously only done two 5ks (Run Like Dickens in December 2010 and the Warrior Dash in August 2011) I wanted to see if I could make it. We stayed overnight on the mainland and took the ferry over in the morning since it is such a quick ride. We knew it was going to be a beautiful day when we woke up to this:</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-628tb6Rol5Q/TqSGpcJrFXI/AAAAAAAADAs/SJ0WoUzDKWg/s1600-h/DSC02066%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC02066" border="0" alt="DSC02066" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-nYGMraezGOU/TqSGp2-fsRI/AAAAAAAADA0/P7xB4buEprk/DSC02066_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="304"></a></p> <p>At first I was really cold but we waited inside until it was about to start. I was extremely nervous because I really hadn’t been training. Either I said I didn’t have time or the weather was bad. I think I ran maybe 3 times in the past two weeks. Either way, I was going for it now. Someone else was going for it too I guess. Let’s play a little game of I spy in the photo below hehe.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-_HTo0xy_-Dg/TqSGqldm3JI/AAAAAAAADA8/t6vxtYSnqOw/s1600-h/DSC02069%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC02069" border="0" alt="DSC02069" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-UW6gvSSLKrw/TqSGrNaBJvI/AAAAAAAADBE/DvJcGpuQYpk/DSC02069_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="304"></a></p> <p>The course was 5.7 miles with the first half weaving up and down and around the trails of the interior of the island and the second half running along the coast of the island. I was unprepared in that I did not double check my gear before we left. Both my Garmin and my MP3 player had low batteries! The Garmin died first, about 1/2 mile into the run and then my MP3 player died shortly thereafter. It was my own fault but still disappointing. I had to find something else to pass the time and make it not seem like I was going to die just as my electronics did. About halfway through I remembered the saying “You are stronger than you think” from a running video I had watched on youtube the previous day. I kept repeating this in my head, and you know what? It made me feel so much better. I powered through those woods with the most positive attitude I’ve ever had while running. Usually I’m pretty much a Debby Downer because I think I’m too slow and not a good runner and I know that is not the attitude to have. I ended up keeping pace with this girl named Sarah and we pushed each other to the very end. My knees were a disaster and her feet was aching but we supported each other the whole way. Once we finished, I was elated. My time was 1 hour and 11 minutes, far better than what I was expecting. I really thought it was going to take me almost an hour and a half.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-XHmZPaRc5Qo/TqSGsKMjvFI/AAAAAAAADBM/fsLRm2X92zU/s1600-h/DSC02073%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC02073" border="0" alt="DSC02073" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Yz8PUlMPkF8/TqSGseYgIGI/AAAAAAAADBU/Pwt9cY5mRdE/DSC02073_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="304"></a></p> <p>My aunt finished a few minutes before me so she was there at the end to cheer me on. As you can see, everybody got a medal (YAY!). As for my knees, well they were completely busted after that and still hurt today. But it was completely worth it.</p> <p>Afterwards, we spent the rest of the day exploring the island. We rented bikes and biked the whole perimeter which is about 8 miles. We also stopped at Arch Rock which was very cool but the 200 steps to get up were painful.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-52AcuER4v2g/TqSGs2zmc8I/AAAAAAAADBc/ebJiuaXThPo/s1600-h/DSC02078%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC02078" border="0" alt="DSC02078" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-LIxp4byFoGs/TqSGtUhLbgI/AAAAAAAADBk/nNxEw22LBmg/DSC02078_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="304" height="404"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-JHe1J85q7Jg/TqSGuRGvaRI/AAAAAAAADBs/q0HNDSYIJFI/s1600-h/DSC02081%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC02081" border="0" alt="DSC02081" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-TZfuICvM9-E/TqSGu1T89MI/AAAAAAAADB0/_a9Jk9D-28Y/DSC02081_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="304"></a></p> <p>The view down from the rock was yet another beautiful sight.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-RplsBoL-P0U/TqSGvqO1CrI/AAAAAAAADB8/_3ZBHMUJggo/s1600-h/DSC02076%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC02076" border="0" alt="DSC02076" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-JFsuO5KD3L0/TqSGv3bw_UI/AAAAAAAADCE/OW_y8-bOc-0/DSC02076_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="304"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-WuNP2U4UtjU/TqSGwtwYRhI/AAAAAAAADCM/uEnRUBe8pZs/s1600-h/DSC02077%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC02077" border="0" alt="DSC02077" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-kCQiw0Mlnh8/TqSGxPO713I/AAAAAAAADCU/GlKzWeykHQs/DSC02077_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="304" height="404"></a></p> <p>Oh I should also tell you that cars are not allowed on the island. You can travel by horse and carriage, bikes, or walking. I love that!</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-IdQJVPzNDqs/TqSGxhiSP8I/AAAAAAAADCc/3ozFcVhAMEc/s1600-h/DSC02075%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC02075" border="0" alt="DSC02075" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-XTydwcFYNUI/TqSGx2C7rBI/AAAAAAAADCk/yQdPwwDiuQE/DSC02075_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="304"></a></p> <p>You can kind of see the Mackinac Bridge in the background there. That connects the UP with the Mitten.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-n3UJxnC6GzU/TqSGyz_DbcI/AAAAAAAADCs/NI40OPTkvCU/s1600-h/DSC02082%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC02082" border="0" alt="DSC02082" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-xqshb5_Ljyc/TqSGzRqSpRI/AAAAAAAADC0/rD_YpX07N-A/DSC02082_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="304"></a></p> <p>That’s Fort Mackinac. We didn’t have time to go up to it but I don’t think I would have made it up the steps at that time anyway LOL.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-GBABRXhoGfE/TqSGzi-l2uI/AAAAAAAADC8/g5gIY1SNeU0/s1600-h/DSC02085%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC02085" border="0" alt="DSC02085" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-hyPDerKdUSg/TqSGz71VEtI/AAAAAAAADDE/T1DdYK_V9rQ/DSC02085_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="92"></a></p> <p>It was an absolutely amazing day and I’m so proud of myself! Next up…..Run Like the Dickens 5k in December <img style="border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-smile" alt="Smile" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-tLdl8ABBNoQ/TqSG0ApTnfI/AAAAAAAADDM/n41T64DO-ws/wlEmoticon-smile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800"></p> Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10269020292389071892noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-525775430431247077.post-69483354784554166132011-10-20T20:06:00.001-04:002011-10-20T20:06:46.474-04:00Hey Look I Found a Trader Joe’s!<p>It turns out that there is a Trader Joe’s and a Whole Foods right next to each other. They are about a half hour away from me which means it won’t be a frequent stop but it’s nice to know they are there if I feel like the trip. I went to the Whole Foods with my aunt last week so this week I decided to check out Trader Joe’s on my own.</p> <p>And of course I got myself some goodies!</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-tj6KwETobQo/TqC3jZD5m_I/AAAAAAAADAE/NN3-013DR_0/s1600-h/DSC02064%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC02064" border="0" alt="DSC02064" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-kjNCKrqk9_Q/TqC3jwgnzpI/AAAAAAAADAM/y9b8-L0wCXw/DSC02064_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="304"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-5uiB8kNW7cw/TqC3kdG_FBI/AAAAAAAADAU/kV7JWHC-GxY/s1600-h/DSC02065%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC02065" border="0" alt="DSC02065" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-jjDQjxbwnB4/TqC3k4uJ5qI/AAAAAAAADAc/O-buc4Fy7xQ/DSC02065_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="304" height="404"></a></p> <p>In my trip, I came out with Ezekiel bread, a pack of organic bell peppers, organic eggs, organic gala apples, bananas, tofu, brown rice sushi, light string cheese (rBST free), light cream cheese, a yellow onion and a red onion. All for $29!! I thought that was a pretty good deal.</p> <p>Speaking of prices, I’m under the opinion that Trader Joe’s has better prices but less selection while Whole Foods has worse prices but more selection. Does anyone else think TJ’s prices are better than WF? I don’t go to either very frequently so I’m not sure if that is an accurate assumption.</p> <p>I used the tofu tonight to make stir fry. I cooked it up with some broccoli and orange bell pepper, coated it with a little teriyaki sauce and put it over brown rice. Yummy in my tummy.</p> <p>Now it’s time to pack for this weekend. Tomorrow night my aunt and I are heading up to Mackinaw Island for a 10k on Saturday morning. It’s going to be so rough because I either haven’t had time to run or the weather has been crappy or I just couldn’t get my lazy butt out there for a run. Plus the weather is going to be pretty cold! Oh well, I’m sure it will still be fun <img style="border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-smile" alt="Smile" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-9_wkxlKWH_o/TqC3lH5VKbI/AAAAAAAADAk/mzQWLkFlp-s/wlEmoticon-smile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800"></p> Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10269020292389071892noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-525775430431247077.post-48227792449988977152011-10-14T20:34:00.001-04:002011-10-14T20:34:08.373-04:00What it’s like to work at a small community hospital<p>First, thanks for the birthday wishes <img style="border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-smile" alt="Smile" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-CgcwlMCcEa4/TpjU8qTBzuI/AAAAAAAAC_U/HELdz6waiUk/wlEmoticon-smile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800"> I can’t believe it’s been 3 years since my 21st birthday. How depressing LOL. Though I may be getting older, there is an upside: The other day someone asked me if I was in high school. Haha still young lookin’ I guess!</p> <p>So right now my rotation is in a small community hospital (I’ve only got a week left there). They only have one dietitian for the whole place and she does both the clinical side as well as managing the food service. Lots of responsibilities and no time to do them is what I’ve discovered with her job. Typically they only have an average of 8 in-patients on the Med/Surg floor but there is plenty of other components to the hospital. They do a lot of outpatient services where people are in and out of the hospital in the same day so that keeps the in-patient population low.</p> <p>I’m enjoying the small town atmosphere, probably because it reminds me of home (even though this hospital is smaller than the one I was born in! Well I’m pretty sure there is no maternity floor at this hospital LOL). I’ve gotten to assess several patients on my own by now. Basically before I even go in their room I get background information from their chart: height, weight, diagnosis, current diet order, past medical history, tobacco/alcohol/drug use, medications, labs, etc…..anything else that’s important. Then when I go in to talk to the patient I find out their usual weight, any recent weight changes, how’s their appetite, how much of their trays have they eaten since being admitted, n/v/d/c (that means nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation. yeah I have to be a little personal with them), any chewing or swallowing problems, food allergies/intolerances, and diet history. After all that I can write up my own assessment in their chart and determine their Calorie, protein, and fluid needs as well as determine if they are on the proper diet order. Like today I had to switch someone from a regular diet to a cardiac diet because they had a history of hypertension. I also have to see if the patients need a nutritional supplement if they aren’t eating well or have a poor appetite – proper nutrition is important for healing! That’s the basics of my assessments at least. It is a little more complicated but you get the picture.</p> <p>Today I was also lucky enough to do my first outpatient nutrition counseling. The outpatient counseling is much different because the people come in either because they want to or their doctor referred them in and you spend an hour going in depth into counseling them on whatever they are there for. Last week I observed one person that came in because their doctor wanted them to learn about a heart healthy diet but they were also interested in losing weight. Another person I saw came in because of bulimia, among other health conditions. The person I got to work with today was a diabetic so I talked to them about carb counting, blood sugar goals, symptoms of hypo- and hyperglycemia, and laid out a meal plan with them determining how many carb servings they should aim for at each meal in order to be consistent throughout the day. It went really well and I thoroughly enjoyed the experience!</p> <p>I’m excited for next week because I’ll be spending a morning at their wellness center and I’m also making a presentation for a diabetes support group. Loving life right now!</p> <p>And just so I can include a picture with this post (I’ve been really bad about taking pictures lately), I’ll show you the awesome dinner I had the other night.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-D4_NYlv26CI/TpjU9T4vCCI/AAAAAAAAC_Y/VTbKAfd6jgE/s1600-h/DSC02061%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC02061" border="0" alt="DSC02061" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-CmRSMoUnZus/TpjU9wG9HeI/AAAAAAAAC_g/W8y0BajyEZQ/DSC02061_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="304" height="404"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-PJzwXjYu90Y/TpjU-g8iUtI/AAAAAAAAC_s/WjSAE6ySRXc/s1600-h/DSC02063%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC02063" border="0" alt="DSC02063" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-9Ocqp7_DYGI/TpjU_KNcWbI/AAAAAAAAC_0/SQpPTG2ucc4/DSC02063_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="304"></a></p> <p>I got this stuffed sandwich from an client of the MSU Product Center. Lauren runs Ope’s where she makes organic vegan stuffed sandwiches and veggie burgers as well as cookies! The cookies are totally awesome and I wish I had more! She was so kind to give me samples of two sandwiches (pizza and veggie) and 3 cookies (chocolate chip, cranberry chip, and oatmeal raisin). This was my last of it all and now I’m sad LOL. She sells her products mainly around Michigan to hospitals and some schools. Basically you wouldn’t be able to get them but you CAN get the cookies! They just started selling them online so you can order them through <a href="http://www.opescookies.com">www.opescookies.com</a>. I highly recommend them <img style="border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-openmouthedsmile" alt="Open-mouthed smile" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-wb7nSQFUKcQ/TpjU_opu30I/AAAAAAAAC_8/PhXWOXqJlNE/wlEmoticon-openmouthedsmile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800">.</p> Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10269020292389071892noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-525775430431247077.post-9125001425587313622011-10-11T22:49:00.001-04:002011-10-11T22:49:46.389-04:00A Very Merry UnBirthday<p>Well real birthday actually. I’m 24 today. Getting old <img style="border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-smilewithtongueout" alt="Smile with tongue out" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-QR3VZi0klTE/TpUASeL1WxI/AAAAAAAAC_M/A8JWNo7oZgk/wlEmoticon-smilewithtongueout%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800"></p> <p>Made my mini bruschetta pizzas with a side salad for dinner. yum yum!</p> <p>Now it’s off to bed and ready for another work day.</p> Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10269020292389071892noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-525775430431247077.post-65468954651029725032011-10-09T17:01:00.001-04:002011-10-09T17:01:41.354-04:00Spontaneity is not a word I know well<p>I’m a planner. I admit that freely. So while I think being spontaneous can be a good thing, it’s usually not something I consider doing. I plan, I make lists, I like routine. When things don’t go according to my plan, I usually freak out.</p> <p>So last Friday (September 30th) I ended up having the day off because I finished my rotation a day early. I started my day with one of my favorite things – sleeping in! I’ve had to get up usually between 5-6 lately since my commute is over an hour so sleeping in is even more awesome now. Anyway, I just planned to use the day to relax, maybe start my 4 page paper on obesity in the long term care setting. At lunch time, I talked to my boyfriend who is now down in D.C. working on his PhD. He left in the beginning of August so it had been 2 months since we’d seen each other. Somehow amidst our discussion, he ended up buying me a plane ticket for that afternoon! I was freaking out. Could I seriously just pack a bag and go to D.C. on a whim? Well that’s what I ended up doing. And I survived. Luckily I had about 2.5 hours to prepare myself before heading to the airport, which on a side note I don’t really like the Detroit Airport (this was my first time there). The flight was short, just over an hour, and then I landed at BWI where Raf was waiting for me! I was so happy to be there with him. <img style="border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-smile" alt="Smile" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-fx4bVGMbUeU/TpILsDsAcVI/AAAAAAAAC_A/xtY59K6M7Hk/wlEmoticon-smile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800"></p> <p>By next summer, I will be living right around the corner from this:</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Lo-zI4JxQfA/TpILshG4vxI/AAAAAAAAC_E/mGPx3qoW2VU/s1600-h/DSC02057%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC02057" border="0" alt="DSC02057" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-PNh0OiKGe3s/TpILtJGoheI/AAAAAAAAC_I/JPDzIVrAwsM/DSC02057_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="304"></a></p> <p>I can’t wait!!!!!!!!</p> <p>PS – decorating and furnishing is a lot harder than I thought! The condo is a work in progress LOL</p> Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10269020292389071892noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-525775430431247077.post-42378864352721822632011-10-03T20:16:00.001-04:002011-10-03T20:16:30.466-04:00A little look inside my internship<p>So I wish I had starting blogging again earlier because it’s much easier to write as you go than to try to re-cap what I’ve done. But I’ll try. </p> <p>I’ve actually already completed one rotation! I spent 5 weeks at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing working in their food service department. Like many interns, I was not thrilled at first. Food service (especially hospital food service) is one of those rotations that the interns are usually least interested in. However, I really lucked out and had an amazing preceptor. She actually made it fun!</p> <p>In the food service rotation, you are required to conduct a “theme meal” which ties in many of the competencies learned in the rotation, like purchasing, pricing, and prep. For my meal I chose to focus on local foods. The recipes I chose were Mini Bruschetta Pizzas and Greek Salad so the ingredients I chose to get locally were Basil, Chives, Parsley, Tomatoes, Garlic, Onions, and Feta cheese. I even was able to make a video demo, kind of like my own 7 minute cooking show! My preceptor’s husband makes commercials so he filmed and edited the footage for me. After 3 weeks of planning, I successfully served my theme meal! It was a hit and I got a ton of compliments – the supervisor even wanted me to have another one before I left! Unfortunately I wasn’t able to serve the second “local meal” but it is planned for mid-October and the recipes I chose are Turkey, Apple, and Cheddar Paninis with Roasted Butternut Squash and Apple Soup.</p> <p>So this week I started my second rotation – Community Hospital. I’ll be spending 3 weeks with inpatients and outpatients.</p> <p>I’ll leave you with my Mini Bruschetta Pizza recipe. Serves 4.</p> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="247"> <p>Ingredients</p></td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="247"> <p>3 large tomatoes, seeded and chopped <p>2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley <p>2 tbsp chopped fresh chives <p>4 tbsp minced fresh basil <p>2 cloves garlic, minced <p>1/3 cup olive oil <p>Salt and pepper to taste <p>½ cup feta cheese <p>4 pita flatbreads</p></td></tr></tbody></table> <p> </p> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="408"> <p>Directions</p></td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="408"> <p>In a medium bowl combine tomatoes, parsley, chives, garlic, basil, olive oil, salt and pepper. Set bruschetta aside while preparing the pizza base. Brush pitas with olive oil and broil for 1-2 minutes, approximately 4 inches from the heat source. Remove pitas from oven and top with bruschetta and feta cheese. Broil for 2-3 more minutes.</p></td></tr></tbody></table> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-SkrxVzAcCQY/TopQW75X6SI/AAAAAAAAC-4/jyctjE4sVSo/s1600-h/1%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="1" border="0" alt="1" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-tvFgyNZKLjg/TopQXSN5ZqI/AAAAAAAAC-8/mhPwuWFaaZw/1_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="304"></a> </p> <p>And a little sneak peak at the setup I had for my theme meal. Nutrition Facts, copies of the recipes, and information about the farmer’s I got my ingredients from.</p> Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10269020292389071892noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-525775430431247077.post-62268248895210190372011-09-26T20:31:00.001-04:002011-09-26T20:31:47.206-04:00Where Oh Where Have I Been?!<p>I have no idea if anybody has even stuck around. I know I’ve been gone since May. At first I was just going to take a little break and then I had all these plans to come back with a bang. Re-organize and Re-format the page. Well as you can see that didn’t happen. And every once and a while I would think “I should write a post” but I never did. Until now. After a little convincing by my brother, I decided to start writing again. Now that I’m in my dietetic internship (!!!!!!) I swear my life is more exciting. <img style="border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-smile" alt="Smile" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-gQvUW7XaLl4/ToEZV0pfKZI/AAAAAAAAC-M/siu0plXHKiM/wlEmoticon-smile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800"></p> <p>I’ll just take a minute to re-cap my summer. I worked with my brother at his photography studio as an assistant. I did everything from marketing to videography to editing. It was so much fun and I got to spend a lot of time with family which was great. Speaking of family, my niece was born in May <img style="border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-openmouthedsmile" alt="Open-mouthed smile" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-CRcIxL2lnAI/ToEZWtrDMnI/AAAAAAAAC-Q/cuMH1xszeig/wlEmoticon-openmouthedsmile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800">. Her name is Danielle Layla and she’s a cutie! And I’m so blessed to be Godmother to both my niece and my nephew Bradley.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-PWH57mLXTNM/ToEZXQzwutI/AAAAAAAAC-U/G4TuGbkUg-c/s1600-h/danielle%252520layla%2525202%252520months%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="danielle layla 2 months" border="0" alt="danielle layla 2 months" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-y32baNQ2cvk/ToEZX92a5fI/AAAAAAAAC-Y/mQY4L81VJWM/danielle%252520layla%2525202%252520months_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="324"></a> Danielle</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-24-UmLb-Pyg/ToEZY4Nd6xI/AAAAAAAAC-c/UzerpRhdlHo/s1600-h/brothers%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="brothers" border="0" alt="brothers" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Pe6j7kHidE8/ToEZZT0LTEI/AAAAAAAAC-g/scsiwf4zit8/brothers_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="304"></a>Charlie & Bradley</p> <p>This summer I also took my nephew Charlie to his first movie at the theater. We saw Cars 2 and he was great! I was super excited to take him to experience that for the first time.</p> <p>I took a couple vacations this summer that included Nantucket, Newport RI, and Myrtle Beach.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-fnIjBPEk97o/ToEZai7xgwI/AAAAAAAAC-k/2vvh055G-V0/s1600-h/IMG_4077%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_4077" border="0" alt="IMG_4077" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-L-s_sfvo9yA/ToEZbCNIdwI/AAAAAAAAC-o/lgQkwO7t-14/IMG_4077_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="304"></a> I’m such a kid still.</p> <p>And lastly, I participated in the Warrior Dash! I had a blast and definitely want to do it again.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-1LAWVJ5P-As/ToEZb_9VeWI/AAAAAAAAC-s/QDv9WGCh3ps/s1600-h/Warrior%252520Dash%2525201%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Warrior Dash 1" border="0" alt="Warrior Dash 1" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-KU6Fn2fP4HA/ToEZcnz9k-I/AAAAAAAAC-w/w3KgG-uwyZ8/Warrior%252520Dash%2525201_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="270" height="404"></a> I am a Warrior!</p> <p>Later I’ll explain more about what I’ve been up to since I moved to Michigan a month ago. </p> <p>Glad to be back. Ta ta for now!</p> Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10269020292389071892noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-525775430431247077.post-67539386281150493802011-05-09T16:18:00.001-04:002011-05-09T16:18:14.844-04:001 More Day of School!<p>I present my thesis tomorrow afternoon and then I’m done! I’ve got mixed emotions of here. 1) Excited (obviously) 2) Scared, Nervous, etc</p> <p>I know I haven’t been present online very much lately but once I’m done I’ll catch up with everyone, I promise :)</p> <p>L8er G8ters!</p> Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10269020292389071892noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-525775430431247077.post-14159367426196115962011-05-06T10:36:00.001-04:002011-05-06T10:36:49.914-04:00Sleep Record<p>Wednesday night I couldn’t sleep at all and last night I went for the record. Not on purpose either time! I think my lack of sleep just caught up with me and I passed out in the middle of watching Dr. Oz. I woke up around 11:30 all disoriented thinking it was morning but it wasn’t of course. So I just went back to sleep. In total I think I slept about 14 hours last night (compared to 3 the night before!). Whew. I didn’t even finish editing my final project that’s due today but it’s a good thing I started it a little early.</p> <p>Since I fell asleep before dinner yesterday I only ended up with 2 meals. I feel like I ate nothing!</p> <p>Breakfast was a giant bowl of fruit – banana, strawberries, blackberries, and blueberries.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_-CFVvTW6QlQ/TcQHcj6CvwI/AAAAAAAAC74/i3GGOFaRTvk/s1600-h/DSC02035%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC02035" border="0" alt="DSC02035" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_-CFVvTW6QlQ/TcQHdCUWaTI/AAAAAAAAC78/dEC02nTzAnQ/DSC02035_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="304"></a> </p> <p>Followed by a big ol’ spinach omelet. Just an egg + 2 egg white and spinach. Nothing fancy. It came out looking a little weird though!</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_-CFVvTW6QlQ/TcQHdSW3a2I/AAAAAAAAC8A/CEEoa3lIIxg/s1600-h/DSC02037%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC02037" border="0" alt="DSC02037" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_-CFVvTW6QlQ/TcQHd08u8OI/AAAAAAAAC8E/IiOfV75UY54/DSC02037_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="304"></a> </p> <p>Then for lunch I had baked a batch of sweet potato fries and made a homemade granola bar.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_-CFVvTW6QlQ/TcQHeNiPOBI/AAAAAAAAC8I/QCapb7G3eqE/s1600-h/DSC02039%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC02039" border="0" alt="DSC02039" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_-CFVvTW6QlQ/TcQHefz7vfI/AAAAAAAAC8M/9_52gBRvU1M/DSC02039_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="304"></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_-CFVvTW6QlQ/TcQHfEZ2-PI/AAAAAAAAC8Q/IXzoGJo3xZQ/s1600-h/DSC02038%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC02038" border="0" alt="DSC02038" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_-CFVvTW6QlQ/TcQHfe_aDZI/AAAAAAAAC8U/OA9KS4l7IBs/DSC02038_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="304"></a> </p> <p>I cut that into 4 bars by the way. It’s just oats, dates, and walnuts with a little bit of water to stick it together. And drizzled dark chocolate on the top :) They are still a bit crumbly so I’m going to work on the recipe a bit.</p> <p>Waking up this morning, I’m now in full force, ready for the day! I whipped up a banana mango smoothie and had a piece of the homemade granola bar for breakfast.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_-CFVvTW6QlQ/TcQHf5QjgvI/AAAAAAAAC8Y/so7eq93VO30/s1600-h/DSC02040%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC02040" border="0" alt="DSC02040" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_-CFVvTW6QlQ/TcQHgJ9nHxI/AAAAAAAAC8c/nurOiD7cnhQ/DSC02040_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="304"></a> </p> <p>Goals for today: Finish the project for my last class and finish my thesis presentation!</p> <p>TGIF!</p> Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10269020292389071892noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-525775430431247077.post-84831523230471122042011-05-03T16:10:00.001-04:002011-05-03T16:10:52.416-04:00A Shower for Baby<p>As I had said in my last post, I went home for my sister-in-law’s baby shower on Saturday! My niece is due in a month and I’m so excited! After a long afternoon of food and gifts, I snapped a quick shot of Nicole and I. I should have gotten a full length one because her dress was so cute! My beautiful SIL :)</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_-CFVvTW6QlQ/TcBhN7BBhVI/AAAAAAAAC7Q/0Q1A6EYxkfk/s1600-h/DSC02030%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC02030" border="0" alt="DSC02030" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_-CFVvTW6QlQ/TcBhOWei9jI/AAAAAAAAC7U/lbvbG0bGQaE/DSC02030_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="304"></a> </p> <p>I also spent some QT with the Bradster hehe</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_-CFVvTW6QlQ/TcBhOVB-QVI/AAAAAAAAC7Y/e0jBY2J3X1g/s1600-h/DSC02028%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC02028" border="0" alt="DSC02028" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_-CFVvTW6QlQ/TcBhO3h7m7I/AAAAAAAAC7c/8izLhnE4FYg/DSC02028_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="304"></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_-CFVvTW6QlQ/TcBhPEn_xAI/AAAAAAAAC7g/Dp6i7dZFSps/s1600-h/DSC02034%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_-CFVvTW6QlQ/TcBhPPVXfDI/AAAAAAAAC7k/QkNc_fUji8I/DSC02034_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="340" height="404"></a> </p> <p>And because I have to go take my Nutritional Epidemiology final NOW I’m just going to throw in a few other pictures and make it a mostly wordless post!</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_-CFVvTW6QlQ/TcBhQVDzs5I/AAAAAAAAC7o/yXAh7y5t5-I/s1600-h/DSC02021%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC02021" border="0" alt="DSC02021" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_-CFVvTW6QlQ/TcBhQsOGN_I/AAAAAAAAC7s/a8EpF10XIXs/DSC02021_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="304"></a> </p> <p>I won those.</p> <p>And made this with it.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_-CFVvTW6QlQ/TcBhRTieETI/AAAAAAAAC7w/7shfLZO9Ei8/s1600-h/DSC02020%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC02020" border="0" alt="DSC02020" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_-CFVvTW6QlQ/TcBhS5IK_uI/AAAAAAAAC70/qotfincHbKI/DSC02020_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="304" height="404"></a> </p> <p>Wish me luck! Only 1 week left :)</p> Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10269020292389071892noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-525775430431247077.post-771330981065941022011-04-28T21:57:00.001-04:002011-04-28T21:57:29.678-04:00On the Road Again<p>Home again this weekend! Back and forth a lot lately it seems. I really don’t think I can handle anything more than the 3 hours it takes to drive! Whew. But I’m super excited because tomorrow is the baby shower for my sis-in-law! Great excuse to be home right before finals :)</p> <p>I started out the morning in Boston with a pretty substantial breakfast. Spinach and mushroom omelet, berries, and a muffin.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_-CFVvTW6QlQ/Tboa-ww5CkI/AAAAAAAAC64/qBwzun_SCmo/s1600-h/DSC02016%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC02016" border="0" alt="DSC02016" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_-CFVvTW6QlQ/Tboa_QBlo0I/AAAAAAAAC68/ICVDMlVwwik/DSC02016_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="304"></a> </p> <p>I had already decided to make the move back home easier that I was going to back some stuff up and bring it on the trip this weekend. And man do I have a lot of crap LOL. I hauled out a bag of winter clothes, shoes, tons of textbooks, and a bunch of little odds n’ ends. I was starving by the time I got home and made a HUGE salad.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_-CFVvTW6QlQ/TbobARlk11I/AAAAAAAAC7A/zudYihHcH_E/s1600-h/DSC02017%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC02017" border="0" alt="DSC02017" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_-CFVvTW6QlQ/TbobA0PeUJI/AAAAAAAAC7E/9m0r2nSVjcw/DSC02017_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="304"></a> </p> <p>It ended up being a very veggie day (after all that talk about being more of a fruit girl haha) because at dinner we had both asparagus and sweet potato too. Plus salmon and wild rice.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_-CFVvTW6QlQ/TbobBrRNYoI/AAAAAAAAC7I/2JHpyMFTGOM/s1600-h/DSC02018%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC02018" border="0" alt="DSC02018" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_-CFVvTW6QlQ/TbobCBLAz-I/AAAAAAAAC7M/6xl1Sm8jrkM/DSC02018_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="304"></a> </p> <p>After all that rain, it ended up being a beautiful evening so my mom and I took Lena and went out for a walk. </p> <p>Tomorrow I’ll show you what other exciting thing I accomplished today ;)</p> <p>And a side note – my prayers are with everyone who has been affected by the tornadoes. I’ve only seems glimpses on the news and it is truly devastating.</p> Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10269020292389071892noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-525775430431247077.post-9060742958942642962011-04-27T11:44:00.001-04:002011-04-27T11:44:29.041-04:00Starting the Day Right<p>After all that Easter candy, it’s only appropriate that I hope back into my go-to breakfast. Even though it is hot today (for once!), I whipped up a batch of oatmeal, and had some extra fruit on the side since the Peapod order just came.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_-CFVvTW6QlQ/Tbg52B097SI/AAAAAAAAC6g/VOw61gYWKVY/s1600-h/DSC02012%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC02012" border="0" alt="DSC02012" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_-CFVvTW6QlQ/Tbg52svoaLI/AAAAAAAAC6k/EVetFUua5Fs/DSC02012_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="304"></a> </p> <p>As you can see, I iced my coffee. It was very necessary today.</p> <p>As I was eating all my fruit for breakfast, I kept thinking how it is so much easier for me to eat fruit than to eat veggies. I even wrote about it last month. I am a fruit girl above all else. It really is nature’s candy!</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_-CFVvTW6QlQ/Tbg528RVzCI/AAAAAAAAC6o/tn3ue7lSEnE/s1600-h/DSC02011%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC02011" border="0" alt="DSC02011" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_-CFVvTW6QlQ/Tbg53JyAwaI/AAAAAAAAC6s/NxcdSKzDAbg/DSC02011_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="304"></a> </p> <p>I’m very excited for the berries of summer :)</p> <p></p> <p>But before I get there, I’ve got to finish this semester. Less than 2 weeks left!!!!!! OMG I’m so excited.</p> <p> </p> <p>For today, head on over to read my guest post on Carrie’s blog <a href="http://movesnmunchies.wordpress.com/2011/04/27/mindless-eating/" target="_blank">Moves n’ Munchies</a>!</p> <p> </p> <p>Until later blends! Happy Wednesday :)</p> Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10269020292389071892noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-525775430431247077.post-81305216902926438282011-04-25T14:56:00.001-04:002011-04-25T14:56:59.751-04:00Chocolate OD<p>ooohhhhh my.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_-CFVvTW6QlQ/TbXD9oKkSJI/AAAAAAAAC6Q/pU5Z7NHMDYQ/s1600-h/DSC01966%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC01966" border="0" alt="DSC01966" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_-CFVvTW6QlQ/TbXD9ws7MzI/AAAAAAAAC6U/QE8hFsPPLMw/DSC01966_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="304"></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_-CFVvTW6QlQ/TbXD-WFIauI/AAAAAAAAC6Y/kYKP6o9VqTw/s1600-h/DSC01965%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC01965" border="0" alt="DSC01965" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_-CFVvTW6QlQ/TbXD-rYzyqI/AAAAAAAAC6c/KiHKO-qlsJs/DSC01965_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="304"></a></p> Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10269020292389071892noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-525775430431247077.post-34955886825217298252011-04-21T21:19:00.001-04:002011-04-21T21:19:34.257-04:00Just Breathe<p>Today was a day where I could breathe just a little. I didn’t have to go to campus today for this first time in long time and it felt nice. Sometimes that’s the advantage of taking a few online classes – I stayed in my PJ’s until noon!</p> <p>So after a few days in a row of having a breakfast like this:</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_-CFVvTW6QlQ/TbDXmdW5ZmI/AAAAAAAAC5o/u-Lz9kA3IvI/s1600-h/DSC01952%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC01952" border="0" alt="DSC01952" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_-CFVvTW6QlQ/TbDXm_4QDmI/AAAAAAAAC5s/Wrizq-YFOqI/DSC01952_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="304" height="404"></a> </p> <p>I switched it up. Or I should say I switched back. To oatmeal of course.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_-CFVvTW6QlQ/TbDXnIZTyqI/AAAAAAAAC5w/1BdtI1FIl4Y/s1600-h/DSC01953%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC01953" border="0" alt="DSC01953" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_-CFVvTW6QlQ/TbDXnePLQLI/AAAAAAAAC50/4GF4JgkVHhc/DSC01953_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="304" height="404"></a> </p> <p>Hello gorgeous! Bob’s Red Mill Steel Cut Oats (yes because I had time!) with a diced apple, cinnamon, and walnuts. Oooh baby.</p> <p>And since I was feeling frisky, I busted out the ol’ baking supplies. An orange was screaming “zest me!” from it’s lonely spot in the almost empty fruit bowl and I happily obliged. Then sliced it up and put it in a jug of iced green tea. But anyway back to the baking……</p> <p>I present to you: Christina’s Blueberry (& Orange) Muffins! </p> <p>Makes 12 servings.</p> <ul> <li>1 cup whole wheat flour</li> <li>1 cup oats (ground up, or you could use plain oat flour I suppose)</li> <li>1 tsp baking soda</li> <li>2 tsp baking powder</li> <li>1/2 cup Splenda (it’s got to be used up. But feel free to use a sugar of your choice)</li> <li>2 tbsp canola oil</li> <li>1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce</li> <li>2 egg whites</li> <li>1/2 cup 0% plain greek yogurt</li> <li>1/2 cup water</li> <li>zest of 1 orange</li> <li>1-1.5 cups (frozen) blueberries</li></ul> <p></p> <p>Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Mix dry ingredients (first 5) in a bowl. In a separate bowl, mix canola oil, applesauce, egg whites, yogurt, water and zest. Slowly add and mix dry ingredients to wet. Fold in blueberries. Spoon into greased or lined muffin tin. Baked for 20 minutes or until center isn’t gooey. Enjoy :)</p> <p>The nutrition stats are pretty good too! I’ve developed a new love for Spark Recipes Recipe Calculator.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_-CFVvTW6QlQ/TbDXnswBB_I/AAAAAAAAC54/oJZ-zz4wGMk/s1600-h/muffins%5B7%5D.gif"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="muffins" border="0" alt="muffins" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_-CFVvTW6QlQ/TbDXnxnT8oI/AAAAAAAAC58/n1RVUir8fVc/muffins_thumb%5B5%5D.gif?imgmax=800" width="268" height="438"></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_-CFVvTW6QlQ/TbDXoWUytDI/AAAAAAAAC6A/YWrGxKvOsHc/s1600-h/DSC01954%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC01954" border="0" alt="DSC01954" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_-CFVvTW6QlQ/TbDXog4fhtI/AAAAAAAAC6E/TRIXC-2UHI4/DSC01954_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="304"></a> </p> <p>I also happened to make that crusted chicken again for dinner with some onion, leeks, and broccoli. It was a good day in the kitchen!</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_-CFVvTW6QlQ/TbDXpK9aE_I/AAAAAAAAC6I/bMV-pGYv86Y/s1600-h/DSC01955%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC01955" border="0" alt="DSC01955" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_-CFVvTW6QlQ/TbDXpTTXbhI/AAAAAAAAC6M/TYEYkjFG9gg/DSC01955_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="304"></a> </p> <p>One more day til the weekend :) And just two days til I get to eat chocolate! Can you tell I’ve been counting down? ;)</p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <div style="padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: none; padding-top: 0px" id="scid:0767317B-992E-4b12-91E0-4F059A8CECA8:26e5c550-a0d8-4464-8b81-9b9272ebf77a" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent">del.icio.us Tags: <a href="http://del.icio.us/popular/blueberry+muffin" rel="tag">blueberry muffin</a>,<a href="http://del.icio.us/popular/baking" rel="tag">baking</a></div> Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10269020292389071892noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-525775430431247077.post-21068568234133229452011-04-19T23:30:00.001-04:002011-04-19T23:30:10.630-04:00This Close<p>Counting down…..3 weeks until I am done with school for good! (Yes I will be doing the internship next year but that is not the same) A month from tomorrow I will be handed my diploma granting me a Master’s in Nutrition and Health Promotion. Now that I think about it, that’s a pretty big accomplishment!</p> <p>But I’m not there yet. I’ve still got A LOT of stuff to <strike>cram</strike> complete in the next few weeks. *Fingers crossed* that I survive :)</p> <p>In the meantime, I went to take pictures of my breakfast and was surprised to find a dead battery. Since I had to rush off to campus, I ended up with no pictures all day.</p> <p>So instead, here’s what I watched to <strike>waste time</strike> take a personal break today.</p> <div style="padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: none; padding-top: 0px" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:ed3d70e3-7cc7-45d1-9646-c2dfc0422b4c" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent"><div id="a494fce9-a8f5-49c2-8992-c88e3a629874" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; display: inline;"><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IytNBm8WA1c" target="_new"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_-CFVvTW6QlQ/Ta5TQcbLWdI/AAAAAAAAC5k/ysMmOWo5q2o/video2231c4602213%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-style: none" galleryimg="no" onload="var downlevelDiv = document.getElementById('a494fce9-a8f5-49c2-8992-c88e3a629874'); downlevelDiv.innerHTML = "<div><object width=\"425\" height=\"355\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/IytNBm8WA1c&hl=en\"><\/param><embed src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/IytNBm8WA1c&hl=en\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"425\" height=\"355\"><\/embed><\/object><\/div>";" alt=""></a></div></div></div> <p> </p> <p>I love funny cat videos :)</p> Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10269020292389071892noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-525775430431247077.post-73726275456237035192011-04-18T13:21:00.001-04:002011-04-18T13:21:52.870-04:00Men of my dreams<p>Part of the reason I haven’t been blogging is because I went home and was spending some time with 2 of the loves of my lives.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_-CFVvTW6QlQ/TaxzLnHHr8I/AAAAAAAAC5c/juYA9Pt4jsE/s1600-h/charlie%20and%20bradley%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="charlie and bradley" border="0" alt="charlie and bradley" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_-CFVvTW6QlQ/TaxzMCU5L_I/AAAAAAAAC5g/yGgZAZxYEWw/charlie%20and%20bradley_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="304"></a> </p> <p>They are growing like weeds!</p> <p>I swear sometimes I forget that Charlie is only 3 because he’s so articulate! Smart kid and such a whippersnapper LOL </p> <p>1 more month until I can see them whenever I want and less than 2 months until my niece is born! It’s going to be an exciting summer :)</p> Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10269020292389071892noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-525775430431247077.post-4420269639385094882011-04-12T00:43:00.001-04:002011-04-12T00:43:34.034-04:00Forgotten Blogiversary<p>I’m such a knucklehead. My mind is all over the place lately and I forgot my 1 year blogging anniversary! It was on April 6th (last Wednesday) and it just completely slipped my mind.</p> <p>Besides that nonsense, I had a pretty special day on Friday as well. But first, I had to fuel myself for the exciting evening ahead. First, oats for breakfast (a classic) and then re-introducing salads for lunch! Yay for warmer weather :) I even made homemade croutons but just toasting a piece of Ezekiel bread and tearing it into pieces. So good.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_-CFVvTW6QlQ/TaPYbIubX8I/AAAAAAAAC40/hORe1Ve_uKg/s1600-h/DSC01940%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC01940" border="0" alt="DSC01940" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_-CFVvTW6QlQ/TaPYbdm571I/AAAAAAAAC44/lGv1UMOmMc4/DSC01940_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="304"></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_-CFVvTW6QlQ/TaPYbkcWXbI/AAAAAAAAC48/WwNLUUXE8Fc/s1600-h/DSC01941%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC01941" border="0" alt="DSC01941" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_-CFVvTW6QlQ/TaPYcAbHulI/AAAAAAAAC5A/lfru6yZpyvA/DSC01941_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="304"></a> </p> <p> That afternoon, I went back to WPI to visit my Alpha Xi Delta sisters and give them a little nutrition talk! I mainly talked about brain-boosting foods and stress-busting foods per someone’s advice. It seemed appropriate for the given population anyway. It was so nice to see some of the girls again, especially my little! And I even met my grandlittle and great-grandlittle. Yes I’ve been negligent and hadn’t been back to visit them. But we went out to eat for a family dinner later and it was so much fun. I was stupid and didn’t grab a picture but I will have to make another visit to make sure I get one!</p> <p>For dinner, we went to 1 of the most visited restaurants by WPI’ers. A place I’ve greatly missed. Yes – The Sole Proprietor. Or just “the sole” as we call us. Seafood restaurant extraordinaire. I of course ordered some sushi since I hadn’t eaten it in ages. Say goodbye to the Rainbow Maki because I INHALED it.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_-CFVvTW6QlQ/TaPYcezc74I/AAAAAAAAC5E/Hj0sJafwP64/s1600-h/DSC01943%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC01943" border="0" alt="DSC01943" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_-CFVvTW6QlQ/TaPYcYXVvqI/AAAAAAAAC5I/cDe7cxQpOXE/DSC01943_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="304"></a> </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>My little (Colleen) and I also did a quick wine tasting at The Wine Vine across the street while we waited for our table. The owners are the nicest people I swear! The guy remembered me from 2.5 years ago when I made a birthday basket for my big! I was amazed.</p> <p>But now of course it’s Monday and back to work. Well school. But you know what I mean. I mostly worked from home so I didn’t have to lug a bunch of food onto campus which was nice. I don’t buy food there usually unless it’s the occasional Chobani or Larabar from the cafe. I’m proud to say I’ve never eaten from Simmons cafeteria.</p> <p>I screwed myself up by not eating breakfast right away but instead waiting a couple hours and had a late brunch. Spinach, Mushroom & Mozzarella Omelet, toast, and berries. And coffee of course.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_-CFVvTW6QlQ/TaPYcikpeBI/AAAAAAAAC5M/8Cwhfypt7IA/s1600-h/DSC01945%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC01945" border="0" alt="DSC01945" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_-CFVvTW6QlQ/TaPYczcRN3I/AAAAAAAAC5Q/HkmdAd-4o_4/DSC01945_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="304" height="404"></a> </p> <p>Dinner was happy and sad at the same time. Happy because I made a yummy salmon recipe but sad because we had run out of vegetables. I suppose somebody should have run to the store but we didn’t. So I was stuck with just honey-soy salmon, brown rice & beans. Like I said, happy and sad.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_-CFVvTW6QlQ/TaPYdDfRfEI/AAAAAAAAC5U/waphJ_z1SpM/s1600-h/DSC01946%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC01946" border="0" alt="DSC01946" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_-CFVvTW6QlQ/TaPYdYo12SI/AAAAAAAAC5Y/eXwpUrg-zC4/DSC01946_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="304" height="404"></a> </p> <p></p> <p>Oh and guess who took advantage of the extremely gorgeous weather we had today? This girl did! I got my butt out for a quick run after dinner but before it got dark. I was able to get in 30 minutes and almost 3 miles. Surprisingly I felt really good too, no injuries to report! Woohoo!</p> <p>Now it’s past my bedtime, Goodnight!</p> <p><strong>What did you do on this fine day?</strong></p> Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10269020292389071892noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-525775430431247077.post-73598875761656963502011-04-07T21:25:00.001-04:002011-04-07T21:25:16.183-04:00Feeling Oh So Productive<p>This week I’m on a roll with school. I feel like I’m getting so much done! We’ve made amazing progress on our thesis, our first draft is due in a week and I’m very excited. I even spent some extra time making up a presentation for a nutrition talk I’m giving to my sorority from undergrad. I’m not sure how many girls are going to come but I’m still happy to do it! Plus it’ll be nice to see them, I don’t really get back to visit even though it’s only an hour away.</p> <p>I’m not sure if my positive mood has to do with my internship or not. To tell you the truth I cried at first. I was fully expecting to get into Simmons and stay where I am, because ya know I’ve gotten comfortable being here in Boston. But now that has worn off and I’m thoroughly ecstatic about my future 10 month stay in Michigan. My amazing relatives (Hi Aunt Lisa and Uncle Steve!) are letting me move in with them and I’ll be commuting to each of my rotations. I even already know where my clinical placement is – Sparrow Hospital! I looked it up and it’s huge – almost 700 beds! My cousin Michelle is also moving back home and will be commuting to her grad school so we’re going to have the best time :) So I’m set and ready for this next chapter: Michigan here I come!</p> <p>I also feel the strong urge to show you this meal from Sunday. It’s actually what I ate after I found out about my internship! I dipped chicken breasts in a greek yogurt/mustard mixture and coated them with Uncle Sam cereal and some parmesan cheese. It came out great! I also made some non-mayo based potato salad which was good except for the radishes (yuck!)</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_-CFVvTW6QlQ/TZ5j8udiBDI/AAAAAAAAC4U/oA6DUQDNqIs/s1600-h/DSC01936%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC01936" border="0" alt="DSC01936" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_-CFVvTW6QlQ/TZ5j9CvfKRI/AAAAAAAAC4Y/Mk4pDDdkHqw/DSC01936_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="304"></a> </p> <p>But that was so long ago now. Today was a pretty successful day on the food front too I think.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_-CFVvTW6QlQ/TZ5j9R1dElI/AAAAAAAAC4c/_V8CkfnDNZU/s1600-h/DSC01937%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC01937" border="0" alt="DSC01937" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_-CFVvTW6QlQ/TZ5j9tDcRFI/AAAAAAAAC4g/lJTHSIMq9cY/DSC01937_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="304" height="404"></a> </p> <p>Steel cut oats made with too much almond milk and heated up frozen blueberries and cherries</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_-CFVvTW6QlQ/TZ5j9z8te7I/AAAAAAAAC4k/A-n4kbsO-ho/s1600-h/DSC01938%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC01938" border="0" alt="DSC01938" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_-CFVvTW6QlQ/TZ5j-UKiBVI/AAAAAAAAC4o/7Ue0RFHMkbw/DSC01938_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="304"></a> </p> <p>Tomato soup and a half quesadilla (whole grain TJ’s tortilla + mozzarella cheese). Oh and an unpictured grapefruit afterwards!</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_-CFVvTW6QlQ/TZ5j-j0TYVI/AAAAAAAAC4s/QGCFM6u_M8g/s1600-h/DSC01939%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC01939" border="0" alt="DSC01939" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_-CFVvTW6QlQ/TZ5j-6bHFdI/AAAAAAAAC4w/fWlJ4QWXggE/DSC01939_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="304"></a> </p> <p>Whole grain spaghetti with fennel, peas, and walnuts.</p> <p>Carby day wasn’t it? I love me some good ol’ carbohydrates! :) Powers up the brain for all the nutritional epidemiology homework I was working on hehe</p> <p><strong>Let’s have a brag time just like #fitblog. Leave this week’s accomplishment as a comment! </strong>Mine is of course my internship :)</p> Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10269020292389071892noreply@blogger.com7