During physical therapy, my trainer and I are always discussing the difference between hip pain (bad) and sore muscles (fine.) Sometimes I’m not clear whether my hip is just tired or if it is bad pain, but today I’m SORE. My muscles are yelling at me from yesterday’s workout – and it makes me SO happy! I haven’t actually broken a sweat from a workout in ages and it was really fun to push myself.
The morning went by in a blur and I ended up grabbing a quick (but delicious) breakfast before leaving for PT.
Toasted multigrain bread (works well toasted straight from the freezer – and that way it won’t go bad before I have a chance to finish the whole loaf) with a smear of peanut butter, fig butter, and half a small banana.
During physical therapy I warmed up with 15 minutes on the bike followed by 5 whole minutes on the treadmill! We also did tons of exercises: walking lunges, squats while balancing on the boss, one-legged seats, and lots of band exercises. I’m feeling really hopeful.
Looking ahead at the week, my swimming possibilities were limited so I dragged myself straight from PT to the pool. 35 minutes of laps done and done. It’s rare that I”m excited about swimming, but I am always glad I’ve gone. My music definitely helps!
I actually brought some of my leftover sweet potato wheat berry vegetable soup in a tupperware to my parents’ house. I have an awful lot of food in my fridge and I knew I wouldn’t have time to go back home. Lunch is (reheated and) served.
For a post lunch treat, I made myself tea with lots of foamy milk
Plus I raided my parent’s fridge for fresh strawberries and a mini muffin. Not sure exactly what kind these were, but my Mom said they were a healthy recipe and included carrots and raisins.
It was good to enjoy a small treat. One thing that has been working well for me is to allow myself foods I like in reasonable portions (I’m thinking about peanut butter and cheese especially) but I haven’t quite figured out how that works in terms of sweets. On the one hand, if I always avoid desserts it can lead to binges and on the other hand sometimes some sugar just makes me want more sugar. Still figuring this one out, but it seems like somewhat healthier treats might fill the craving without making me go overboard?
I taught just a couple lessons and then grabbed a quick snack on my way to group class. My go to snack: cottage cheese with apricot jam.
Group class went well (I’m minus my assistant for a few classes which is a bit stressful) and then I headed home where I had already planned out dinner.
A few days ago I made a version of three bean chili in the slow cooker. I used the flavoring from this recipe from Smitten Kitchen. I decided to try my hand again at dried beans, but I’m still struggling. I soaked the beans overnight, but then I ended up cooking the chili forever. Even so, the beans were not quite as soft as I might have liked? Still, I love chili – so comforting.
I heated up my serving on a big bed of baby spinach
and of course topped with an ounce of melted cheddar and a scoop of greek yogurt.
For dessert, a sweet clementine.
Off to stretch my sore muscles!
