I promised a giveaway, but I just don’t have it in me tonight. Blogger fail.
I do have last night’s dinner, though.
When I got home I was in such a wretched mood, I really wasn’t hungry. Sometimes my appetite shuts down shop when I get so worked up…it’s like I am so emotionally drained I can’t even think about anything, food included. I decided to shower, which really helped calm me down and by the time I was de-patient-ified, I was ready to make dinner. What do you do when you are worked up? Do you lose your appetite? How do you de-stress? Showers work wonders for me.
I steamed a sweet potato and topped it with chickpeas and pepitas. On the side I made a fatty salad of kale, sprouts, and carrots massaged with 1/2 an avocado and some plain greek yogurt. Ok, if avocado and kale had a food baby, I would adopt it faster than Angelina Jolie…this combo is out of this world. I’m beyond obsessed with kale lately. Why I suddenly love it so is a mystery…Kyle thinks it’s because it is so close to his name…I’m not so sold on that explanation, but I humor him. 😉
For dessert I polished off some fruit, and called it a night.
Grapples.
Today, I had an appointment today (with my lady doctor)…because the first thing you do when you find out you are soon ditching your job (and thus, your legit health care plan) is schedule as many MD appointments in the next month as possible. Nameen?
My faith in humanity was briefly restored when a man held the door for me AND let me go ahead of him in line at Starbucks…(this is an old pic, but I had my traveler mug, so it wasn’t that photogenic anyways).
I arrived 20 minutes early, waited patiently in the waiting room for an hour, and finally got up the nerve to ask what the hold up was all about. “You’re next” they reassured me. Ok. Cool. Sure enough, five minutes later, they called my name. And…we’re back on track. Then the nurse’s assistant asked me what I was there for, but after I told her, she said they didn’t do that there. Uhhh. Soooo, why AM I here then? She had no clue. I kept my poker face, but trust me, I was P-I-S-S-E-D. I asked to speak to my doctor anyways because (a) she’s awesome, (b) I figured I’d waited long enough to get some face time, and (c) she would probably have the best way to create a solution/plan of attack.
Considering she walked in on me in tears, she was great. Ha! I’m like a crying machine lately. Anyways. I feel like I’ve been negative nelly in my recent posting, which is annoying because I consider myself a positive person. Upbeat and fun words only, from here on out. Sound good? Great!
While preparing a real meal I smothered some carrots and a roll in hummus. Death by hummus? I think that drowning in chickpeas may be the most amazing way to die ever.
Ok, so it wasn’t a gourmet lunch exactly…but it was already well past lunch time, so I was hungry and not so much in a cooking mood. I toasted bread, applied as much hummus as the slices could possibly hold, added TWO Boca vegan burger patties and (as an afterthought) added a few pieces of romaine in the name of green-age.
Even though it was WAY too big to fit in my mouth, I made it work.
Because that’s what champion foodies do.
I stuffed my face so gloriously that I was in a mini food coma on the couch for a few hours afterwards. I wasn’t hatin’ on it – I bonded with Ellen and last week’s Glee.
Eventually I was inspired enough to go to the gym, where I rocked out 4 miles on the elliptical, 10 minutes of spinning, and 6 seconds of a way-too-hard arm machine.
Repeat offender. Pshh, whatevs, you don’t mess with perfection.
This salad needs to be tried by all: steamed kale, corn, peas, chickpeas, sprouts, and avocado.
Dessert-face. You know the drill…pretz, carob chips, almonds, raisins, and lots of love heavy breathing. I like it THAT much.
Again, thanks for yesterday’s uplifting comments. I swear, it’s so amazing to have a supportive community of (relative) strangers have your back so whole-heartedly. I can’t even put it into words. Thank you.
I read your blog all the time, but I figure it’s about time to de-lurk myself! I definitely have been having those same “nothing is going my way” days lately, but with a positive attitude, exercise and CHOCOLATE, I seem to make it through the day’s A-okay. Love your blog btw and I NEED to try that salad asap. I have been an avocado-addict lately.
Sweet potatoes!!!
(Sorry, I used up all my supportiveness last night, and now I can only exclaim the names of foods. But you’re still awesome)
I adore your mish mash salads. And your kale/Kyle associations. 🙂 I’m glad you are doing better today!
Bless you (in the non-patronising sense). Your blog is still fun to read and I don’t think you’re being as negative as you think you are. Plus, you’ve got lots on your plate (excuse the pun!) at the mo. Your blog is awesome and you are awesome. To destress I have a shower, do some yoga, call my mum, or tell the hubbie that we’re going up the pub for a quick drink and catch up 🙂
Hey beauty!
So sorry you felt overwhelmed yesterday. It happens. Glad you’re on the mend, and think of all you have to look forward to!
In the meantime, kale and avos? Mama, methinks you are turning into a Gena. Or perhaps we’ve been twins all along, separated only by a few blocks on the UWS. HUGS!!!
G
I know exactly what you mean. Go out and have that bod checked on someone else’s dime. I’m sorry to hear about your crapola days, but at least you’ll have a nice breather when you leave NYC. Hang in there!
Oh wow- just looking at your dinner the other night just about out me into a food coma. If ever I am feeling like crap, I just exercise and it seems to help. I put on my ‘angry’ playlist (usually older Fiona Apple, etc..) and have a really hard work out and after, it is like I am a new person. It’s kind of strange, but I’m not complaining.
Have a Happy Wednesday!
Blogger fail? Um hardly! All those scrumptious looking meals add up to a Blogger WIN for sure! Yum. Kale is amazing and I swear I am the only person who buys it at my grocery store but whateves–I will also be the only one who is healthy and kickn’ in her old age…well, you and me, apparently. Am I right, or am I right? 😉
Totally hear ya on the doc appts before losing health care–I did the same thing, lol. And then when I got it again? Hello dentist, physical therapist, specialists of all kinds, blood tests, etc. We need health care, people!!
Courtney
I totally loaded up on all of my doctor appointments before I left my job. Random question, but what’s your plan of attack for insurance after you finish up here in NYC? I’m on COBRA now but it’s going to break my bank soon!!
Btw, you have every reason to feel overwhelmed. Cry it out, sista! Your tears will dry out and you’ll feel a million times better very soon. Say, as soon as you leave the hospital for the LAST TIME. Fear not!
I’m happy you’re in a better mood. I hate when that happens at doctor’s offices. Sometimes they are in such a rush to process as many people as possibly they neglect asking what you’re really there for and you end up in the wrong place for an unnecessarily long time!
I’m curious and I figured you would be the best person to ask because you’re a carob lovah, what does carob taste like? Is it anything like dark chocolate? Or does it just look similar but have a taste of its own?
Nicole G
PS I’m a dedicated blog reader who has been following your blog for a few months but only posting sporadically. I don’t have a blog of my own but I’ve been following this community of blogs for almost 2 years now. I love your blog and am so excited for your upcoming big changes!
I am so sorry about your sh!tty day yesterday. UGH. At least we have billions of days ahead of us!
You know, another reason you may like kale so much is because it’s the first syllable of my name. KALE-ee. Kailey. Whatvs, it’s close.
“Even though it was WAY too big to fit in my mouth, I made it work.” How did that NOT get a TWSS?
Just read your post from yesterday. Melt downs suck. Just think, you are so so close to getting the h out of ny and your job and anything else that feels negative right now. I also like showers to de-stress. I can stand in there for agggges. Tea, pyjamas and a little chocolate help me out too. Either that or wine and pizza. How about hummus on pizza?
Have a better day lovely!
i got a text yesterday from my old roommate (who ONLY eats dairy, hummus and peanut butter. oh and kashi and looks like a greek god) saying “why am i craving baked kale?”
kale is just so good. especially with avo. welp! guess im doing that for dinner tonight.
seriously, i love your blog. you crack. me. UP. no lie. sorry to hear about your doctor’s appointment…i hatehateHAAATE when they make you wait for like…an hour and then go, ‘ohjustkiddingwe’remakingyourappointmentTWOSECONDSLONG.’ugh. (and yeah, they say it just like that. in one word. haha) but your dinner looked deliiiicious. i’ve been craving sweet potatoes like a crazy person as well as chick peas and kale. get outta my head ;)!
usually when i am stressed i have no appetite either. it’s a bummer. but whenever that happens i try to work it out physically (going on a walk, going on a run) or i take to writing (i’m a writer :)). usually it helps. sometimes though…those wicked moods can be hard to shake. fo reals.
but anyway, have a good rest of your day! also…want to come and make meals for me? please ;)?
Death by chickpeas?? Not a bad way to go at all. I love that massive sandwich.
Bummer about the doctor’s appt – it’s like the opposite of what I went through. When I scheduled my physical last Monday I asked for blood tests and a full physical. Little did I know that included a breast exam and pap. Uhh, no. I just went through that embarrassing duo in November thankyouverymuch.
Thx for the encouragement about my blood disorder – a lot of people are familiar with it which makes me feel better. The doctors made it seem like it was so rare.
Haha…I love that you say you are going back to being positive then go straight into talking about the best way to die. FWIW, I agree with you. Hummus or greek yogurt is the way to go.
I lose my appetite when I am stressed- my stomach is all knotted and the last thing I want to do is eat. Usually I pound the streets for a while with my iPod on.
I am quite tempted to try that salad. I think I could count on one hand the number of times I have eaten avocado in my life, but that looks really good. It’s screamin’ out for some craisins in there too, though…
hey anna! thanks for commenting 🙂 i agree, sub the chocolate for carob, and you have the perfect remedy for a crappy day…positivity, carob, exercise, and maybe a good book, too.
hahaha…thanks regardless 🙂
Dinner looks so delicious and healthy, way to go!
I am a loyal reader, even if my comments are rare. I’m always thinking of my blog friends 🙂 Don’t worry, darling. NO one deserves to be treated that way. You’re a terrific person just for doing what you do everyday.
Also, your eats look amazing! 🙂 I have to try the avocado/kale combo! Chin up, love!
sorry you’ve been feeling less than stellar lately! sometimes a huge life change (even an AWESOME one) will do that to you…it’s hard when life turns all topsy turvy! things will pick up and get better, swear!
eclaire…i bought carob chips yesterday at WF. I mixed them in with cheerios and they’re at an OK level. Change my mind this weekend?
I need to eat more like you.
Whoa. You’re ditching your job? Alright, here comes the flood of comments you’ll get as I catch up on posts… 😉
lara!!! haha, youre SO behind if you didn’t even know i was leaving NYC!?!? i think you need to start with this post:
http://hungryhungryhippie.com/2010/03/30/goodbye-and-goodluck/
thats why i was telling you i would be doing a lot of dining out in the next few months…so detective work will be aplenty.
they arent as good in cold things…you cant really taste them in my opinion. try them in oats or as a snack with some nuts
thanks girly. i totally appreciate your comment.
i called my insurance today to see how long after my last day of work i am covered and its 30 days form my last day…after that, yes, im planning on using sh!tty COBRA and crossing my fingers i wont need it bc i have 1199 coverage (stupid nursing union) which nobody in new york even takes, so i have no doubt that zero doctors in CA will accept it. once i get a job (after the wedding…so mid september-ish) i will be on whatever new insurance that hospital job provides. not so ideal, but its kinda the only option.
thanks for the supportive comment…you are totally right, i need to just cry it all out bc stifling my tears only prolongs the inevitable emotional breakdown.
ugh my poor poor pookie. If I were you I would milk the frustration for all it’s worth and demand the dude give me stress-relieving back massages. Try it!
sending lurve <3
i love you mama pea!
thanks girlfriend…its no coincidence that i’ve been upping the kale-avo mash ups…its all your inspiration love! your meals and raw recipes always look absolutely delectable and since ive been amping up the raw in my diet i have felt SO amazing. its reminded me how much more alive, energetic, and healthy i feel when im eating fresh, seasonal food. also, for me at least, being raw is MUCH easier in the spring/summer months because of avocado alone. i think i got through two or three a week.
serrrriously. i just called my insurance provider and i have coverage for 30 days from my last day of work…so its longer than i thought until i have to worry about COBRA, but still…i wanna get it all done now so (in theory) ill be in the clear for my next few months of job-less-ness.
omg, old school fiona apple is PERFECT rage music. greenday dookie is another that i love stomping through runs to.
agreed agreed agreed. my stupid health coverage will suck once im on COBRA because my plan is one that hardly anyone takes in NYC…if i have to use it in CA they are going to laugh in my face.
hey nicole! thanks so much for commenting…i really appreciate your support and kind comments.
as for the carob, some say its an acquired taste, but i loved it from the first little chip i placed in my mouth. its sweeter than milk chocolate, not at all bitter like dark chocolate, and is definitely a taste unlike any other. i love it by itself, or in oats, or with nuts, or with pretzels, oh hell, i like it with anything. but its not as good in cold things, like cereal, yogurt, or ice cream because you cant taste the flavor as much. try it – you may love it.
hope that helps!!
that MUST be why i like it! kale-face 🙂
Sorry things have been just piling up on you…I am sending you a big virtual hug because it sounds like you need one…please remember that you are fabulous, intelligent, hilarious, healthy, beautiful and sassy. I love reading your blog posts, I think you are one of the most inspiring women I know through the blogosphere and I pray that things turn around for you asap! I’m calling on the hummus and kale gods to work some magic here 🙂
good point. how did i miss that!?!
haha. thats pretty much exactly how my MD appt went. sometimes the medical system is ridiculously flawed. sigh. whatever. your comment made my day. thanks zoe!
where in nor cal are you living? are you from there or just going to school there? im from the east bay so i was just wondering.
ps i totally agree about writing and its therapeutic powers….sometimes it feels so great to just pour it all out like word vomit.
haha, good point. i guess in a weird way drowning in hummus is a positive for me? im a freak, i know.
youre so right! i didnt even realize it (or think about it at all for that matter), but stress can be present even in the most positive moments if its a big change. thanks for the upbeat reminder 🙂
BAHAHAHAHA “6 seconds of a way to hard arm machine” hahahahahahaha that is classic
dude i think your saving grace of the day is the fact that you made it to the doctors and back without having to stop and save someones life for once.. 😉
oh my god, you are SO right…maybe the curse is broken? dare i say it. is it finally safe for me to step foot outside my apartment without having to save lives? fingers crossed!
Glee just makes everything better, no? Bummed for you about that doctor appointment though. I absolutely hate having to wait in the office – it’s creates a combination of boredom, anxiety and anger.
That Boca sandwich looks super yummy! I think I’ll be trying that with my Morningstar Chik’n grillers soon.
Sending you happy vibes!
I´m sorry about the doctor fail, Elise!
😛
What a day, huh?
Delicious eats, though – I´d love to drown on chickpeas, too 😉
Have a great night!
Brazilian XOXO´s,
Gabriela
My sad face did not work!
*:/
Oops. Love you, girlie!
XOXO,
G.
The gym always de-stresses me! That or lounging around and reading. Your eats look yummy! Anything involving sweet potatoes is ok in my book =D