Hey y’all!
How goes it? Still waiting for the sun to come out over here but I did something very interesting today. I went for a RUN! Actually, it was my first run since I sprained my ankle back at the beginning of October and I had really good intentions today (ankle brace, rockin’ the bama t-shirt in pride) but after a mile and a half my ankle was throbbing and I limped home. Somehow I just don’t think that’s normal…..my ankle shouldn’t take so long to heal. SO frustrating!!! I forgot how good and freeing it felt to run….but long gone are the days when I would jet outside and blast out 8 or 10 miles. Maybe someday.
I wasn’t very hungry for a big lunch because of my heavy breakfast, so I just picked up a bowl of miso soup with veggies from Cafe Gratitude and drank it down as I drove to Whole Foods.
And then I had a rather heavy shop at WF…..I feel like I haven’t been grocery shopping in a long time and it’s been even longer since I’ve actually featured my groceries on the blog. So, here you go…for your viewing pleasure!
- quinoa
- yogurts
- raspberries
- baked beans and refried beans
- spinach
- hummus
- 2 almond butters (2 is better than 1)
- baby carrots
- hot chocolate
- tamari
- kashi crackers
- ezekiel muffins
- 2 teas (I found my FAVORITE….Stash double bergamot!)
- spicy sweet potato fries
- oranges
- grapefruits
- pears
- dark chocolate bar
- frozen edamame
- frozen corn
- sesame seeds
- bananas
- tofu
- kashi cereal
And then I made a snack of kabocha and raw goat cheddaaaar
Such an unlikely, but lovely, combination.
A reader mentioned that I eat out a bunch. I don’t really think I do but then after she said that I thought back on my past week and thought, yeah, I’ve eaten at better restaurants this week than I have in many years combined. It wasn’t really normal…..but I’m not complaining. Chez Panisse, John Ash & Co, CYRUS?!
I’m not sure whose life I’m living right now but it’s certainly not mine. I’m not really that cool and love a good taco truck over anything else. However, tonight Hardy called to see if I wanted to meet him for a bite at the Cyrus bar and of course I couldn’t say no. The only time I’ve been to Cyrus was back in October with the Top Chef crew but I never actually ate….rather, I just drank (classy). So tonight, I was pumped! I also just love how I can walk into a restaurant with two Michelin stars wearing rainbow flops and jeans. Awesome.
I had a half glass of Zillikan Spatlese 1991 Riesling:
Hardy always gives me crap about claiming I don’t like Riesling (it’s his favorite varietal). So….I ordered one tonight in his honor and we both decided it “tasted like magical apple juice upon a rocky stream”. I can’t believe I was only six when this Riesling was made!
Sourdough bread twists:
Tempura lobster tail with ponzu dipping sauce:
And I ordered the corona bean cassoulet, which was a vegetarian cassoulet and was nothing short of spectacular. The serving size was tiny, yes, but the flavor and complexity of the dish more than made up for it and I felt 100% satisfied.
I was secretly jealous of Hardy’s black truffle pot pie….look at how purdy it was!
And then….the grand finale……..donuts for dessert!! 🙂
Y’all, I can’t even express how amazing this dessert was. Think warm sugary donuts with chocolate hazelnut spread, salted caramel gelato, caramel and avocado cream sauce.
Done and DONE.
(sigh of contentment)
…….And I’m off! Have a great night, everyone. See you in the morn’!
Paige@ RunningAroundNormal
December 13, 2009 at 8:05 pmI need to go grocery shopping SO bad. Wish there was a WF around here to shop at! Nice haul 🙂
That dinner looks amazing! Cyrus must be out of this world.
Have a good night, Jenna!
Jenna
December 13, 2009 at 8:09 pmyuummm! those desserts do look yummy!
Jen (Running With Cake)
December 13, 2009 at 8:12 pmOuch! Sorry to hear that your ankle is still giving you problems. It’s been at least a month since your sprain – you think it would be better by now. It may be time for R-I-C-E again!
Vaala
December 13, 2009 at 8:24 pmOoo, that’s not good about your ankle. I once thought I’d sprained my ankle but it took forever to heal properly (although I was training on it a bit but the physio had thought it would be okay). Turned out I’d cracked a bone in the ankle which was why it took so long to heal. You’ll get there but take it easy. Spin class is always a good substitute when you need an intense cardio session. It’s funny, but I have another injury to thank for discovering spin class…wouldn’t take it back for the world but of course at the time it felt like my life was ending when I was told I couldn’t run for a few months!
Crunchy Granola Gal
December 13, 2009 at 8:31 pmdude, if i could eat at amazing restaurants frequently, i’d never say no. live it up! also i hear you on the lingering injury thing — sometimes running injuries take forever to heal, it’s so frustrating. as long as you remind yourself that one day you’ll be healthy enough to get back to where you were before, the time will pass and before you know it you’ll be healed. hang in there!
legalstyle
December 13, 2009 at 8:41 pmi’ve said it before and i’ll say it again. i want your life.
Rebekah
December 13, 2009 at 8:44 pmHello,
In my experience, and I have sprained my ankle several times, I have found that it seriously takes months for it to be totally 100%. I often think there was quite an error in the manufacturing of ankles (and backs!). It sucks, but give it time. Ankles truly take a long time to be 100%. Especially if you sprained it good and/or sprained it more then once before it fully healed. My experience anyway. Take care!
Nicole of Raspberry Stethoscope
December 13, 2009 at 8:45 pmYou seriously seem to live the coolest life. I’m bored here in stupid ‘ole Florida!!
Ameena
December 13, 2009 at 9:02 pmThat dessert plate is just stunning. I am so jealous!
Megan (The Runner's Kitchen)
December 13, 2009 at 9:04 pmMy fridge is so bare – I’m even out of milk and yogurt (my staples!). I need to make a Whole Foods/TJ’s visit ASAP!
I love doughnuts – your dessert looks fabulous! And much more creative than the vanilla kremes I like to occasionally get from Dunkin’ Donuts, hehe.
Emily Eats and Exercises
December 13, 2009 at 9:16 pmSorry to hear about your ankle. When I sprained mine about 3 years ago it took many many months to fully heal – and I went to a lot of physical therapy. The good news is now it is 100%, but I would be really careful so you don’t mess it up for longer. Time to have someone take a look at it?
Misty
December 13, 2009 at 9:37 pmI see you got the Blue Diamond almond butter. I’ve been trying to find it (in store, not online), but haven’t been successful yet. I’m planning to go to a bigger grocery store around the first of the year, so maybe then.
I also have to agree with those who say they want your life. It’s awe-inspiring!
Liz
December 13, 2009 at 9:38 pmBe careful with your ankle, if not being able to run means you’re still able to walk, take it as it is. I seems like you keep trying to run and keep getting hurt girl, then try to run, feel pain/get hurt. You’ve already said you think you’ll take it easy/stop running many times!!! Take care of yourself (even if you’re stubborn about it)! 😉
Cynthia (It All Changes)
December 13, 2009 at 9:41 pmI had miso for lunch today too. So filling and yummy. And I love your grocery list. Sounds like lots of stuff I like. I can’t wait to my my WF shop the week after Christmas.
nikki
December 13, 2009 at 10:55 pmHey Jenna-
I usually don’t comment but I’m a physiotherapist and thought I’d give you a few words of encouragement regarding the ankle sprain. Sometimes a bad sprain takes longer to heal than a fracture. Some people take 6 months or so with a grade 3 tear. Stick with fast paced walking uphill for a good glut workout without compromising your healing…..biking/spinning is always good too! Your running will be there when your ankle is ready. Patience is one of the biggest challenges with rehab…..good luck!
Hillary @ Nutrition Nut on the Run
December 13, 2009 at 11:22 pmOh, wow. What a decadent meal! I hope your ankle heals sooner than later. Refreshing winter runs are the greatest. Night!
Madelin @ What is for Breakfast?
December 14, 2009 at 12:48 amWow that dessert looks incredible! Love it! So much better than a Krispy Kreme, hey!
Tania @ Moment Anew
December 14, 2009 at 1:09 amYou are living my appetite’s dream life! LOL 🙂
Love all the food, but I have to ask–does it ever leave you…I dunno….jumbled with your tummy???? (Think back to the frequent use of TUMS in Julie & Julia lol)
Kris (Oatmeal on the Rocks)
December 14, 2009 at 3:08 amMmmmm…that miso soup looks SO good! So does the tempura lobster. It’s 7:00 a.m. and my mouth is watering.
How are you liking your new lens, by the way?? Your photos are looking great!
christie, honoring health
December 14, 2009 at 3:26 amWow, what an amazing dinner. You are living the high life right now, that is for sure!
Chelsea (Chelsea's Chew and Run Fun)
December 14, 2009 at 3:30 amHope your ankle heals, lady! Sometimes with those sorts of injuries, they can become further exacerbated by any sort of activity. What does your doc say?
I love your grocery bundle, such healthy and yummy staples!
That dinner looks absolutely fabulous. The thing that really won my heart, though, was the classy donuts at the end. Tremendous!
Jamie
December 14, 2009 at 3:36 amAw I am sure that the running willl get easier one day. You are handling it all incredibly well and are a role model for all of us in how to handle difficult discouraging situations like that. Keep your chin up! One day you will be running again!
Maggie
December 14, 2009 at 3:42 amThat black truffle pot pie looks adorable and amazing.
I feel you on the ankle injury and no running, it sucks 🙁
Now can I ask a rude question? Do you pay for all these amazing meals? Or do you get them for free in some type of amazing deal? Sorry, I know it’s rude, no pressure to answer, I just thought of it as I was reading your post.
Jessica @ How Sweet It Is
December 14, 2009 at 3:45 amTruffle pot pie and tempura lobster?? Oh yum!!
Susan
December 14, 2009 at 4:03 amWow, I had no idea sprains took so long to heal!! I always say if an injury keeps me from running, it won’t be a running related injury, but something silly like breaking my toe stubbing it.
Umm, you are surrounded by some amazing restaurants. I don’t blame you for eating out so often!!! Plus, wine and food is kinda like your life, you’ve gotta experience it 😉
Lauren
December 14, 2009 at 4:06 amJenna,
Take it from me, if you truly think something is wrong with your ankle, PLEASE get it checked out. I suffered from MAJOR complications from a simple medical procedure and the entire time, I just knew something wasn’t right, but the doctor kept telling me it was in my head. Well, 6 months later, I am feeling the aftermath because it turned out to be a very serious infection that has basically altered my entire life.
You know your body and if your heart is telling you something is off, please get a 2nd opinion! 🙂
Take care sweetie!
Stephanie
December 14, 2009 at 4:20 amI think it’s great that you are getting the opportunity to eat out so often at fabulous restaurants that most of the country doesn’t even have access too – it’s fantastic! You have such a healthy outlook on it too, everything in moderation which I think is a wonderful message to us readers that it’s okay to eat rich foods (you only live once!) as long as we keep the balance. Love it, and of course love your blog and reading all about these adventures 🙂
rungirlrunn
December 14, 2009 at 4:37 amHealing from an injury can be SO frustrating! Hang in there and keep listening to your body! Being patient now is hard, but healing fully will keep you from hurting it again down the road.
Naomi (onefitfoodie)
December 14, 2009 at 4:38 amWONDERFUL trip to whole foods! I spotted a blue diamond almond butter-it is SO good, bar far one of my fav brands of AB out there 🙂 if you got the crunch get ready for an awesome tub o’ AB!
the desserts look amazingggg and tajke care of your ankle!!
diana(mymarble rye)
December 14, 2009 at 4:50 amif i had the opportunities to eat at those restaurants, I would take it as well. Life is meant to be enjoyed and your in San Francisco for a reason. Let your fate create your plate (literally…like food plate). 🙂
Estela @ Weekly Bite
December 14, 2009 at 4:51 amLooks like a fabulous dinner!
Enjoy this time in your life 🙂
Sam (Merit to the Carrot)
December 14, 2009 at 5:02 amIn time, your ankle will be a-okay 🙂
I am so envious of your WF haul. You got the goods!
Katie
December 14, 2009 at 5:03 amGreat looking trip to WHOLE FOODS!
New music, food, fitness + giveaways – http://katiechangesforkatie.blogspot.com/
Come visit! Happy MONDAY FUNDAY!
Katie
amanda
December 14, 2009 at 5:07 amCongrats on your run today! Your meals look amazing like always. I would love to try that truffle.
Allie
December 14, 2009 at 5:10 amooh, listen to your body. i would get the ankle checked out. i didn’t listen to my body, and ended up with a fracture…and three months on crutches and six months unable to walk. if only i had listened…
truly beautiful dinner.
Light Delight with Tou Tou
December 14, 2009 at 5:26 amthat black truffle pot pie looks like a mushroom 😀 so cute !
rebecca lustig
December 14, 2009 at 5:43 amWow, someone had an amazing Sunday– envious 🙂
bec xo
Kristin (Cook, Bake and Nibble)
December 14, 2009 at 5:44 amYou have my dream life, seriously 😉
xo
K
Susan
December 14, 2009 at 5:46 amWow, that is some seriously amazing looking food. Lucky girl!
Carolyn
December 14, 2009 at 5:48 amI think I’m gaining weight just reading your blog. 😉
Matt
December 14, 2009 at 5:49 amI like that you were rocking the bama t-shirt 🙂
Emily G
December 14, 2009 at 5:52 amHey-
I just wanted to say that ankle SPRAINS can actually take longer than ankle breaks to heal.. I actually am going through the SAME Thing right now. I sprained my ankle when I was abroad in Prague (cobblestoness) about 8 months ago and it STILL throbs when I run. You’re definitely going to need to give your ankle more than 1 1/2 months I promise you that. Hope it gets better and Cyrus looks amazing!
justrun
December 14, 2009 at 5:53 amI think if I had all the fabulous food (and, of course, WINE) opportunities you have at your front door right now, I’d eat out all the time, too! I think you’re doing it right, whoever’s life it is!
Your ankle may just need a bit longer. I sprained one on the fourth of July about 8 years ago and it wasn’t until the next spring that it felt “normal” while running distance again. I know, it’s frustrating.
Kristen @ Change of Pace
December 14, 2009 at 5:54 amWhat a good Sunday! I’d eat at those incredible restaurants too if I lived where you did! Take advantage of it girl.
Janna
December 14, 2009 at 5:55 amYum and Yum.
Black truffle pot pie… whaaa? Amazing!
“Donuts with chocolate hazelnut spread, salted caramel gelato, caramel and avocado cream sauce.”
Jealous jealous jealous!
Suzanne de Cornelia
December 14, 2009 at 6:01 amNot surprised ankle taking so long, maybe visit UCSF Sports Ortho docs next time in the City. I went for shattered foot, they can tell you in one visit what to do. My foot didn’t start healing even with cast/crutches till started taking high grade powdered calcium–body absorbs little calcium in pill form. It is a bummer not to run. Ran for many years and still can’t do what did….so do distance power-walks instead, grateful to be able to do that…but not the same…running is very freeing.
Also love Kashi Go Lean that see in your groceries. Yum!
mama
December 14, 2009 at 6:13 amdoes anyone know why i cant see jenna’s photos? Its been this way for a while now and i thought it would go back to how it use to be, with all her pix, but it hasn’t 🙁
Marie
December 14, 2009 at 6:18 amI know what you’re going through! I sprained my ankle back in February and only ran my first post-sprain 5K this past August. I’m not trying to discourage you – just reassuring you that its normal. Give it time and do your rehab exercises. Stretching and ice are really the best thing for it. Good luck!
Anna @ Newlywed, Newly Veg
December 14, 2009 at 6:34 amHey Jenna,
I sprained my ankle pretty badly a few years ago, and sometimes after a long run, mine STILL throbs. It hasn’t held me back– I ran a half-marathon in November– but I can definitely still FEEL the injury.
Just wanted to let you know– I think it definitely can take longer than a month for things like that to heal up completely 🙂
Erin
December 14, 2009 at 6:39 amAfter watching the last episode of Top Chef, I so want to eat at Cyrus!
Also, about your ankle: when you ran, did you wear a brace or tape it or anything? And two months isn’t that long really, especially if you’re not doing any physical therapy. I sprained my ankle in college pretty badly but I had access to the athletic department trainers so I had therapy for it three times a week, someone to tape it up for me properly during basketball games, and it still took about three months for it to heal all the way. I’d recommend still icing it a few times a week and looking for some strengthening exercises (like drawing the cursive alphabet in the air with your foot. Sounds silly but it’s really good for your ankles) and getting a brace or learning how to tape it.
Lauren
December 14, 2009 at 6:42 amWow, that’s crazy about your ankle! Have you been back to the doctor since it first happened? Is it normal for a sprain to take that long to heal?
Ellie
December 14, 2009 at 6:44 amJenna,
Re: your ankle taking ages to heal. I used to dance when I was in high school, Irish dancing like you see in Riverdance. I used to go over on my ankle loads (to the extent that it will never be as strong as it used to be pre-dancing) and each time, it took months to heal. Not trying to freak you out, but you have to give yourself more time. I run now, and can easily compete in 10k’s with no ankle drama at all, so I’m sure you’ll get there. But I can’t kneel on it without it throbbing, and the smallest mis-step can send me sprawling. Just keep doing your strength exercises, stop when it hurts, and don’t beat yourself up. 🙂
Karla
December 14, 2009 at 7:05 amI have to clear out my fridge before I leave for home on Thursday!! California here I come!
Carbzilla
December 14, 2009 at 7:10 amYou’re young and live in an awesome place! Who cares if you eat out a lot! We currently never eat out, but that’s just where are lives are at these days.
Enjoy every minute!
Jil
December 14, 2009 at 7:13 amYour post reminds me that I need to do a major grocery shopping trip. 🙂 I’m so jealous that you get to eat out so much (and at amaaazing places), but its definitely something you shouldn’t apologize for. That would be like you going to Paris on business and then winning a free vacation there or something…definitely nothing to apologize for! That cassoulet sounds amazing, and the dessert sounds absolutely divine…sweet tooth, me? nawww. haha
Katy @ These Beautiful Feet
December 14, 2009 at 7:21 amOh gosh, sorry you’re still unable to run. :-\ I hope it starts to heal soon. Your dinner looks absolutely incredible! If I had the opportunity to eat at so many amazing restaurants, I can’t say that I wouldn’t either! Enjoy it. 🙂
Beth @ DiningAndDishing
December 14, 2009 at 7:21 amSuper jealous of the black truffle pot pie – looks amazing!! Great eats all weekend long – good for you!
Courtney
December 14, 2009 at 7:29 amIt seems like you are doing a great job finding other ways to exercise even though your ankle is still not allowing you to run. You are strength training which is great and important for recovery!
Magical apple juice…mmmmm!!! :>
Courtney
adventures in tri-ing
Jessie (Vegan-minded)
December 14, 2009 at 7:38 amThat miso soup looks amazing! It is so frustrating to have an injury that keeps you from doing your favorite exercise. I hope you heal soon. 🙂
Ashley
December 14, 2009 at 7:39 amI’m gunna have to agree with that one poster. You do eat out a ton! I guess being a Blogger and wine lady pays :p
Man I hate being so damn poor. I live outside of one of the greatest culinary cities and never get to enjoy it. Maybe one day….
Kim
December 14, 2009 at 8:17 amLove that you are rockin’ the BAMA shirt out there in California. Roll Tide from Sweet Home Alabama…
MMiller
December 14, 2009 at 8:41 amLooks like you are set with that WF trip! I need to do one as well! I’ll wait until after Christmas! Would love to know how you prepare your quinoa! I’m not too thrilled with it yet! I have tried it twice!
And I too am loving your life right now! Enjoy it! And have a great time with your parents!
jo
December 14, 2009 at 9:16 amI think it’s fin if you eat out alot. I think most single, young people do. I know I do, tons!
Amanda
December 14, 2009 at 9:21 amAnkles take a long time to heal, think about all those tendons and ligaments. Don’t worry you’ll run again!
Sarah
December 14, 2009 at 9:40 amI am also single and live alone in a place that has a lot of great restaurants so I also eat out a lot too. I probably don’t eat out as much as you, but I’m not a food blogger living in California either. Enjoy it!
Jill
December 14, 2009 at 9:41 amLove the grocery pics. It’s just like peekin’ into someone’s cart at the store–you know we all do it! 🙂
Sarah (Oc2Seattle)
December 14, 2009 at 10:12 amYum! I have got to hit Cyrus next time I’m in town!
Jolene (www.everydayfoodie.ca)
December 14, 2009 at 10:21 amThat is a picture perfect pot pie!!! Love it!!!
Lizzie
December 14, 2009 at 11:43 amMy trainer has me off running for the last 3 weeks and continuing to do so, substituting with spinning (except they just discontinued it at my gym – boooo!), bike, elliptical etc. My ankle was swollen for a month and then my knee suddenly started to hurt 🙁 Have been doing as I’m told (which is very hard), and will be seeing an orthopedist next month (thanks flex spending account!) if it doesn’t get any better (which it has done, simply by taking a break). It never hurts to get it checked out and like someone else mentioned, the cross training will pay off big time down the road!
liane
December 14, 2009 at 1:38 pmI’d be eating out too if I lived where you do, surrounded by the most amazing restaurants. Super envious!
Add to that, you’ve got a Whole Foods AND a Trader Joe’s?!
*Sigh* so jealous. So, So Jealous!
Amanda @ Cakes and Ale
December 14, 2009 at 6:36 pmI think you should keep living it up the way you have been! Being in Sonoma, I can’t imagine being able to turn down the opportunity to eat out at these amazing places. Plus, it’s kind of part of your job to explore any and all food and wine, right? At least, that’s how I’d justify it!