1. Walked to the pool and I swam straight for one hour! I used my underwater iPod shuffle and listened to podcasts while I swam (The Moth.) Great distraction! I didn’t count laps, but it was definitely over a mile.

2. Lunch.

Honey mustard roasted parsnips

Roasted brussels spouts

Tofu roasted with BBQ sauce on top of whole wheat couscous

Hearty and filling – held me for hours.

3. Rehearsal and more rehearsal

4. Dinner fail: the orchestra was invited to a donor’s house for dinner and there was nothing vegetarian. I had a piece of pumpernickel bread with blue cheese.

5. Luckily, I packed some snacks: green pepper and carrot sticks

A pack of peanut butter (actually I packed this with an apple, but I ran out of time so I basically ended up eating this plain…

6. Concert

7. Long drive home

8. Bed

I started off getting myself out of bed because a bag company I liked was having a local sale on all their merchandise. I’ve been looking for a small over the shoulder bag (just large enough to hold my kindle, my wallet, and my phone) so I thought a sale was a good place to start. Success! A very cute bag – for only $10. Very glad I got myself up.

I chatted with Dawn on the phone for a bit and then moved onto breakfast.

My final apple buckwheat bake has been looking at me from the fridge for a while so I heated it up in the toaster oven and squeezed on my leftover chocolate peanut butter from the night before. It’s actually no more calories than the regular peanut butter and nice for an occasional treat (as long as I can control the portion size.)

Also, the final slices of my apple from Thursday’s dinner.

After a bit of cleaning and digestion time I was off to physical therapy. My hip was feeling a bit sore (I think walking 3 days in a row was a mistake – I’m going to try to alternate) but I still managed 10 minutes on the bike, 8 minutes running on the treadmill, and lots of stair-related exercises (going up my three flights of stairs everyday is still hard on my hip.)

I returned home and calmly made myself a cup of creme de la earl grey tea and hopped in the shower.

Just after (while still in my towel) I decided to call my hairdresser to see if she could squeeze me in for a trim. They ended up saying that if I could get there in 15 minutes it would work. Given that it is about 12 minutes away, I threw on my clothes, grabbed my belongings for the day and headed out.

One trim later I was at my parents’ house and more than ready for lunch. Luckily I had left more of my creamy roasted tomato, onion, garlic, and coconut soup over there so I heated up a mug and a sandwich thin with melted gouda. Post picture I decided this was too much soup so I returned part of the serving before eating.

The rest of the night was a bit unstructured in the eating department. I headed out with a friend and there was a last minute change of plans to go straight to the movies (Sherlock Holmes.) I munched on a few handfuls of his popcorn and a few M&Ms but in general I was pleased that I didn’t go crazy with snacks.

After the movie, dinner sort of fell by the wayside (I think he was full from movie-food) and then we ended up staying up talking until way too late. I finally called it a night around 2am, but by that point I really was quite hungry.

I ate a luna bar in my car to try to ward off late night hunger, but then ended up not resisting a slice of cheese pizza when I drove by some place that was open late night.

So not the healthiest 2 am snack… (Are you surprised the pizza place was full of college kids?) While I did go over my losing weight calories, I still tracked and stayed within a maintenance range so all and all I’m not too concerned. Plus, given my hunger levels this morning I think I’m going to call my 2 am pizza breakfast and not worry about it.

For a healthier day today I’m going to start off with a trip to the pool. Here I go…

Thursday breakfast tried to use up some of the pumpkin that’s been calling me from the fridge.

I made two pumpkin waffles with a pumpkin yogurt mix. (Plain greek yogurt, pumpkin, and molasses.)

On the side two more clementines. Not sure they really went with the pumpkin flavor, but I wanted some fruit and these were easy.

I spent a bit of time in the morning with some more cooking. I’m always reading blogs and bookmarking recipes, but it’s hard to find time to make them all!

But before lunch I went for a three mile walk with Dawn around the reservoir. So great to be outside, enjoy company, and get some exercise. I think I may have overdone it a bit with my hip though – I have to be careful not to walk to fast when I’m with Dawn.

Here was one from Oh She Glows for Creamy Roasted Tomato, Garlic, Onion, and Coconut Soup.

As you know by now, I hate raw tomatoes and to be honest I got scared away from cooking them. Instead I subbed in this can of fire roasted tomatoes and then roasted the onion and garlic myself. I also halved the amount of coconut milk – I actually think it would have been good with more, but I just wanted to make it a bit lighter.

Plus I wanted to save some calories for my favorite side: grilled cheese. I made mine open-faced (more bang for the buck) and carefully measured an ounce and a half of cheese so as not to go way overboard. Great meal. I’m thinking of a repeat this afternoon.

Off to teach for a few hours before rehearsal. Another bar at 5:45 in the car – this time a chocolate peppermint stick luna bar. I think my current plan of a bar before rehearsal and dinner at rehearsal break (8:30) seems to be working – and not leaving me starving when I come home from rehearsal at 11:30pm.

Once again I managed to pack my dinner – makes all the difference.

My friends seemed to agree – I shared lots of my green pepper and carrots

Plus several slices of apple with a squeeze of chocolate peanut butter. In fact, even with sharing, I only finished half the peanut butter. Who am I???

Rounded out with a hard boiled egg (with salt and pepper.)

A very late night of work, but no late night snacking. All around a well planned day.

My usual mix of oatmeal, water, almond milk, half a banana, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, allspice and topped with two of my favorites: peanut butter and fig butter.

I had plans to walk with Dawn, but unfortunately she was feeling under the weather. Luckily though I made it out the door myself and she kept me company on the phone as I walked for a full hour. Go hip go!

At 10 I headed over to my therapy appointment and then over to my parents’ house to prepare for teaching. My workday started earlier than usual (noon) and really my only chance to eat was before that time.

I waited until 11:40 and scaled back my lunch a bit:

• 1/3 cup brown rice
• big scoop of baby spinach
• three bean chili
• 1/2 ounce cheddar cheese melted on top

I was still pretty hungry by the time 5:45 rolled around, but the chili helped.

The other day at the store I bought a few kinds of bars to experiment with and I tried this Luna protein bar in the car on the way to rehearsal. Yum. Still feel like I should work on making my own bars, but haven’t researched that yet.

The bar (and my new obsession with tea in my thermos) held me over until rehearsal break at 8:40.

And look, all prepped the night before!

I ate my hard boiled egg and sandwich with laughing cow, baby spinach, and tempeh. I ended up splitting my carrots with some friends and I actually skipped the two dates. I packed them in case I felt in need of some dessert, but I think the chocolate peanut buyer bar satisfied my sugar cravings.

Despite the hour long drive to and from rehearsal tonight, I enjoyed my car mates. Unfortunately, I accidentally left my physical therapy exercises until I got home at 11pm. Not quite what I was in the mood for at that point, but I did manage to complete a (slightly shortened) version of my routine before heading to bed.

I did leave time for my physical therapy exercises and making breakfast.

Breakfast was an effort to use up some more food from the fridge.

The end of my leftover baked sweet potato, black beans, and a laughing cow cheese (queso fresco and chipotle flavor)

Into the pan with 1/4 cup egg whites and a handful of baby spinach.

on a tortilla with a scoop of salsa.

With another clementine to round out the meal.

I took my super sore muscles over to meet up with Dawn for a walk. The weather was SO amazing (I think it was almost 60 degrees!) it was great to get out and stretch my legs. We walked for an hour – not sure of the length, but it was definitely the most I’ve done since my hip started hurting me. Walking success!!!

I had the rest of my sweet potato wheat berry soup for lunch. Most of the broth had been absorbed by this point so I added a bit of water before heating up my soup. Still good.

I taught my first lesson and then had a break before the rest. Knowing I had a late night, I decided on a snack. 100 calories of microwave popcorn mixed with raisins. I ended up adding some chocolate chips post photo. A nice treat (and I did not go overboard.)    

My teaching day was long, but successful. Plus I had brought over my leftover Indian food for dinner. 1/2 cup brown rice with leftover baingan bharta. YUM. I have to keep working on a recipe for this.

I spent the rest of the evening listening to President Obama on the radio, taking a quick grocery trip, and packing lunch and dinner for tomorrow – so organized! Off for a bit of reading before bed.

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!

Breakfast:

A cocoa banana buckwheat bake with peanut butter and half a grilled banana.

Nothing like chocolate for breakfast.

Eventually I took myself out for a walk. The sidewalks were a bit snowy, but I managed to keep my balance and enjoy about 30 minutes outside before I had to get in the car. Plus, my brother kept me company on the phone.

Unfortunately, the walk took up my lunch time, but I grabbed a Clif bar for the road. I have mixed feelings about bars, but this week it’s definitely been helpful to have them around for emergencies.

My Mom came with me to hear the concert – great to have company in the car and it’s always nice to have a familiar face in the audience.

After the concert I dropped my Mom off and headed to Jess’ house for dinner.

I didn’t want to get too hungry so I had a few medjool dates and almonds I had packed in my bag for a snack.

Jess made us a delicious dinner. It was called a paella though we both agreed it wasn’t really that. Barley, tofu, bell peppers, and lots of flavors. Thanks Jess!

We enjoyed chatting for a few hours – a lovely way to end the weekend. Now to get ready for work!

At least I got in a good meal first.

I baked a small sweet potato and then cubed half in a pan with onion, black beans, and baby spinach.

Scrambled with egg whites and onto a small tortilla with melted cheddar, salsa and plain greek yogurt.

These are pretty small tortillas (and only 45 calories!) so I had two. A big meal, but I was glad to enjoy a meal at home before I got started with my day.

I also enjoyed some more of my chocolate tea. I don’t know if it actually tastes like chocolate, but it is good.

I grabbed a clif bar for the road to eat during rehearsal break. Only I didn’t end up waiting for rehearsal break – to be honest it might have been more about being bored in the car than actual hunger, but I ended up eating at 2. Luckily with some tea during rehearsal break I managed to stay satiated until dinner.

Post rehearsal I headed over to Rachel’s for the evening. After I had to cancel last week’s plan because I was sick, I was glad to get together.

Rach ordered Indian takeout and I picked it up on my way over. We played with kids for a short while and then enjoyed our meal.

I ordered baingan bharta. Not my usual order, but maybe it should be! Eggplanty goodness.

I ate half my order and saved half for the next meal. Good for me.

Of course with some garlic naan. About this plate times two. With a mug of decaf chai on the side.

The rest of the evening was spent chatting, catching up on Glee and generally enjoying the evening. For some reason when I got home I was wide awake and didn’t go to bed until way too late. But at least it was an enjoyable evening.

Thursday was a terrible day. I’m not quite sure why, but I was in a terrible mood and just tired of being sick. I haven’t been swimming all week because my lungs don’t feel up for it, but I’m constantly reminded that no exercise makes Emily a very grumpy girl.

Started off the day okay with a fruit and yogurt bowl.

Heated frozen strawberries and raspberries with half a banana

Plus plain greek yogurt, the final 1/3 cup oatmeal (how did I let myself run out of oats!), and a squeeze of honey.

I wallowed in grumpiness for a while until Dawn convinced me to go for a walk. We wandered around Brookline – perhaps 2 miles? Chilly, but really good to get outside.

Lunch was more vegetable bean and wheat berry soup.

I was still hungry after and found some peanut butter puffins to munch on. I started with a handful from the box and realized I better just pour myself an actual serving.

I also packed my dinner before heading off to teaching and rehearsal.

Another sandwich: multigrain bread, garlic and herb laughing cow, hard boiled egg, and smokey tempeh.

I packed some string beans on the side and two clementines.

Unfortunately, it turns out clementines are not a good rehearsal snack – not enough time to eat them and wash my sticky hands.

I’ve been on pretty good track for eating recently, but my grumpy mood and my packed dinner left me feeling unsatisfied and I ended up overeating when I got home at 11pm. Grrr…

Friday I was determined to have a fresh start. I wasn’t too hungry after my late night eating, but I’ve constantly noticed that missing breakfast (or waiting too long) seems to set me up for a bad day later on.

I had a simple whole wheat english muffin with peanut butter, half a small banana, and a sprinkle of cinnamon. With a mug of tea (a new Black china tea with hints of chocolate!)

Quick and easy, but delicious.

Then came the best part of the day: in physical therapy I RAN ON THE TREADMILL!!!! Yes, it was only for three minutes this time, but I felt great and my PT is sure we can start increasing. Hooray!!! It made me feel so much more hopeful, I’m so ready to get out there and start training again. We also tested out some lunges – perhaps I can head back to Body Pump soonish?

I headed over to my parent’s house next and was happy for more soup for lunch (it seems to be all I want recently.) Butternut squash soup from my mother – the recipe included squash, apple, and almonds. And she used vegetable broth just for me.

On the side I made an open faced sandwich on a sandwich thin with melted gouda and arugala

I was happy to enjoy a hot meal as once again dinner had to be packed.

I ate a cottage cheese with apricot jam on my way out the door at 5:45 and then packed the rest.

The last square of my Trader Joe’s marinated tofu on a bed of baby spinach. Plus some carrots and hummus on the side for dipping.

Another day of teaching and a late night of rehearsal but this time no late night snacking (just read my book and bed.) Amazing what a good mood I’m in with the hope of running. Just remind me of this in the future when I don’t feel like exercising, right?

Food-wise life has been a mix of healthy and not-so-healthy. In general I’ve been happy staying on track but I do notice that small (planned) splurges make it harder for me to get back on track. I definitely want to be able to occasionally enjoy some treats, but I’m still working on getting rid of my all-or-nothing thinking.

Monday evening I took my sick-self out to the Publick House with a friend (I just needed some social plans!) and we split some (delicious) french fries. I also did some baking – a gift for my grandmother’s birthday.

Two kinds of cookies:

Chocolate fudge cookies with toffee and dried cherries

Pomegranate White Chocolate Chip Cookies

Of course I ate some dough and tried both kinds, but over all I didn’t go totally crazy – and now half the cookies are all packed up for my Grandmother and the rest were given to my parents.

I’m 100% okay enjoying these treats, but I do notice that I struggle SO much more after – I’m not sure it’s worth it right now.

I have been mostly on track with healthy eats though.

Lots of buckwheat bakes

with cashew butter

My favorite marinated tofu

on a salad with match and tzatziki

Still-warm bread from Whole Foods (mostly put in the freezer for future sandwiches)

topped with garlic and herb laughing cow cheese, tempeh, and a hard boiled egg.

Lots of winter citrus.

grapefruit

and clementines

(with my thermos of tea – a new regular companion to help me make it through work)

Plus lots of my my Slow Cooker Vegetable Soup.

I made this recipe inspired by my friend Rachel and my trip to San Francisco. Thanks Rach!

Mostly I just chopped everything and dumped it in the slow cooker, but here was this incarnation of the recipe:

• 1 cup cranberry beans (soaked overnight)
• 1/4 cup wheat berries
• small sweet potato
• 2 stalks celery
• 2 carrots
• bunch of dinosaur kale
• fresh parsley
• salt
• pepper
• my homemade vegetable stock

Between being winter and feeling sick and in need of vegetables, this was the perfect soup. I even had it as a late breakfast one day!

Back to regular blogging – I must admit that staying on top of the blogging definitely helps me stay on track. I am also looking forward to having my regular energy back – I feel like I’m moving in slow motion these days.