Lunch

Fun Food Day!

Good afternoon everyone! Sorry I’m just now getting to my lunch post but I haven’t been around my laptop all day!! Lunch was really good—I met my mom at toojay’s and of course, I had already looked at the menu online and decided what I was getting! I had the veggie pita–a soft white pita stuffed with their signature hummus, some tabouli and fresh chopped veggies. On the side there were strawberries, pineapple and melon. I ate every last crumb! I was starving and it was so good!

I told my mom I would make her and my dad dinner tonight–my dad doesn’t get home til late from a business trip so they wanted something light and my mom was tired and didn’t know what to make! I kindly told her to give me her credit card (haha) and I would do some shopping for her and create a simple, healthy, light meal that would be in the fridge waiting for them. So…..off I went to Whole Foods!! I got the ingredients to make the “chicken” salad I made for myself the other night (sooo good!) and I picked up some pre-made tabouli from the deli as well as some whole wheat pitas and red wine. I’m so anxious to hear how they like the chicken salad!! I know my mom will like it but the real test will be my dad. He’s into eating healthy and all but I want to see if he notices the fact that there’s no real chicken in the salad! Of course I think it’s even better than salad made with real chicken, so I’m excited for another opinion—coming from a meat eater!

For compensation for making dinner (I set the table and everything!), my mom told me I could go to Border’s and buy a book. Books are more valuable than money to me! I knew exactly what I wanted and SO excited to get the last copy of……….VEGANOMICON! My very first vegan cookbook! I HAD to have it after trying the chickpea cutlets (by the same author) the other night. If all these recipes are a tenth as good as those cutlets…then, well, I’m sold. I’m super excited to start cooking from this next week and I’m about to go settle down in a sunny spot outside and read it cover to cover—a ritual I do with ALL my cookbooks!!!

Here’s where Ryan and I are going to dinner tonight if anyone is interested. I plan on having the seaweed salad (one of my favorites) along with some veggie rolls. I like tuna and other fish a lot but with all the mercury warnings out right now (especially around where I live!), I think I will steer clear. This place also makes really fun drinks like Blueberry Cosmos and Pomegranate Martinis. I think I deserve a fun drink after last week! Plus, it’s my Valentine’s Day! πŸ™‚

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My parent’s romantic dinner!

This morning I was pretty hungry after breakfast so I went to the coffee shop next door and indulged in my newest obsession: tea mistos! Half decaf english breakfast tea and half steamed silk soymilk with cane sugar! I also had a juicy red pear.

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  • Lindsey
    February 15, 2008 at 8:04 pm

    Jenna, I am hoping you know something about this since you lived in France.

    I know snacking is supposed to be healthy, but the French I heard don’t snack and eat a lot of saturated fats (cheese!). How do they not snack and how is this then healthy for their metabolisms?

    Also, Jenna, do you ever eat candies (the candies you suck on, such as life savers). I find if I am bored I can literally put a pack away and constantly want something in my mouth. Any suggestions. I figure since you love food- you would relate to always thinking about it- as a result I think thats why I like something in my mouth.

  • Shannon
    February 15, 2008 at 8:11 pm

    Jenna, that’s so nice of you to make dinner for your parents!

    I’ve been reading yours and Kath’s blogs for a few weeks now, but haven’t commented yet. I’m not a vegetarian (I practically feel like I am some days, though) and am just recently getting into cooking and baking, despite having a longtime interest in healthy eating.

    I just popped the olive oil cake into the oven, and hoping it turns out well! My family is coming to visit me tomorrow (I’m a junior at UGA), so I’m going to try it out on them.

    I’ve really enjoyed reading about your food choices and decision to become vegetarian. Thanks so much for all the effort you put into this site!

  • Cara
    February 15, 2008 at 8:16 pm

    Wow looks like some good food. I hope to hear more about that book! πŸ™‚

  • Lindsey
    February 15, 2008 at 8:28 pm

    I have a question for everyone:

    How do you all balance aerobics, weight lifting, and then classes such as yoga, etc. I don’t want to workout out everyday, but it seems like to fit in sufficient aerobics and weight training I don’t have time for yoga (i don’t have time, like most people, to spend hours at the gym)

  • Amy C.
    February 15, 2008 at 8:29 pm

    That looks so good! I’m definitely making the “chicken” salad this weekend. πŸ™‚

    These tea mistos intrigue me. How do you order it at Starbucks? Just say, I’d like a such-and-such tea misto? I like tea more than coffee/espresso so it sounds like a perfect drink!

  • Serena
    February 15, 2008 at 8:34 pm

    I almost bought that book for a friend for Christmas but didn’t because I wasn’t sure if it would be good, but now I keep hearing about it! I look forward to hearing what you think of all the recipes (and hopefully seeing some of them posted on the blog!) πŸ™‚

  • Serena
    February 15, 2008 at 8:39 pm

    Also, Lindsey, I am with you – getting in all those workouts is hard! I try to have gym days where I do 20-30 minutes of cardio and 15-20 minutes of weights – that gets a little bit of each in. Also, others might disagree with this, but sometimes my pilates classes have a lot of arm and leg work that surely could be considered light strength training! I also try to stretch in the morning and if I can motivate to do it, do some crunches and pushups either when I wake up or before I go to bed – I’m of the mindset that getting in 10 minutes here and there is better than nothing and all the activity does add up!

  • caitlin
    February 15, 2008 at 8:40 pm

    hi jenna! i’ve been reading for months and thought i’d finally comment! it was so nice of you to cook your parents a dinner! it looks great… i hope you and ryan have fun tonight!

    i live in orlando, too! my fiance and i are the same age as you and ryan! πŸ™‚

    have a nice night!

  • blueberrybabe
    February 15, 2008 at 8:46 pm

    My introduction!!! Hellllllllllllo ladies. I missed out a couple days/weeks ago when everyone was introducing themselves so I thought i would take this opportunity to tell you a lil bout myself (in hopes that people are going to try and remember each other on this friendly blog?!). Ok I am a newbie to “the real world” bc i graduated college in May. Not sure yet how i feel about being a grown up- it is kind of stinky especially the work part! BUT i am living in the world’s best city (New York obviously) AND i am living with my boyfriend!!! We have been together since high school so it is realllllllly cool finally living together! In terms of food i am super in to healthy eating. I love whole grains (I’m a whole wheat FREAK) and fruit and healthy fats and veggies and milk and all that jazz. I am not a vegetarian like a lot of you pretty readers but tofu is my favorite food and i love beans etc. I am mostly concerned with eating all natural stuff and nothing with super long ingredients lists or diet-y stuff. I am SUPER new to cooking and i think i am about to get semi-obsessed with it! I was really intimidated at first but now i see it as a challenge and can’t wait to be able to make yummy dinners for myself. Final note is that i am trying to gain some weight bc 1) over the past couple of years i have become a skinny mini and i am dying to get my butt back and look more sexy again πŸ™‚ and 2) i loooooooove working out (running/spinning) and i want to be able to increase my exercise without worrying about the scale going down. so i would loooove to share my journey abotu that with you guys bc it’s def not the easiest thing to talk about in this freaky diety world we live in. it is sooooooo nice to have such a friendly community here and i can’t wait to get to know you all better! most importantly HAPPY FRIDAY WOOOOOHOOOO! p.s. Jenna u are awesome and let’s be honest we all wanna be your best friend!

  • VeggieGirl
    February 15, 2008 at 8:51 pm

    I’ve been away from my laptop all day too – long day of classes today! Thank goodness it’s Friday, that’s all I can say, haha.

    Have fun at dinner tonight!! I’m looking forward to seeing your meal :0)

    Oh my goodness is that Veganomicon I see?!?!?!! Girl, you will LOVE that cookbook – it’s worth having for just the photographs alone!! I love it as well :0)

    **blueberrybabe:

    nice to officially “meet” you! :0)

  • pinklilly
    February 15, 2008 at 8:52 pm

    Lindsey –

    I do cardio and weight lifting, but I don’t participate in any classes. I love the results that I get from just my aerobic exercise and lifting of weights. I think that if you’re happy with what you’re getting from just those two, that the classes shouldn’t be something you need to worry about cramming into your schedule. A healthy culmination of the three would be a good idea though – some days you could do cardio and weights and others you do a class and weights or a class and cardio – or just a class! That way, you won’t get bored!

  • SDF
    February 15, 2008 at 8:55 pm

    Amy- when I order the misto I always get:
    “A grande misto with earl grey tea, skim milk/soy milk (I switch it up) and sugar free vanilla flavoring”. Greatest drink in the world!

  • Aimee H.
    February 15, 2008 at 8:57 pm

    Lindsey, every week differs from the one before. I work a 9-5 job (but typically work from 8-4 or 4:30ish) and I’m 24 years old. I typically take two exercise classes through the local college exercise program, so I do step aerobics Monday and Wednesday after work from 5:15-6:15, and pilates Tuesday and Thursday from 1:15-2:15 (thankfully my lunch is very flexible). I also sometimes do a little cardio after work on Tuesdays or Thursdays if I feel like it. I also try to go to the gym on Friday during lunch or after work and then will do a video or two at home over the weekend and clean my house. I also do a lot of dog-watching for people in my town, so I’m pretty consistently taking dogs for walks two times a day (15-30 minutes per walk). All my exercise just adds up and it’s something I love to do, so I make time even though I’m busy (like everyone else).

  • linds
    February 15, 2008 at 9:28 pm

    I remember the introduction post too blueberrybabe and was kinda sad I missed it lol so thanks for starting a new one! It would be nice to “meet” everyone a little more since we do have such a lovely little community going on here πŸ™‚

    Ok well I’m in my last year of college in Montreal (any other Canadians here…? no..? haha) and I am trying to find a job in the city for next year so my boyfriend and I can move in together! (he has one year at our school left). I don’t speak fluent french though, which is definitely a problem around here. I moved into a studio apartment after living in residence and basically taught myself to cook. Definitely a bit of trial and error along the way but I found a new passion and discovered true love with veggies, fruit, and other good, wholesome food. I LOVE rich dark chocolate and coffee and cheese (I think I was meant to be born in Paris) and I am so spoiled in Montreal with all the bakeries within walking distance πŸ™‚ Now, if only it didn’t snow 20 feet every other day during a winter that lasts for 8 months this city would be perfect! I spend way too much money on food and would rather go browsing through health food stores than shoe stores (gasp! I know) and cookbooks are pretty much my favourite reading material.. Like a lot of the girls on here and like blueberrybabe I went through the too-skinny phase but right now I am happy with my body and I just want to take care of it. I love running, team sports, (was a competitive figure skater for 15 years..I am soooo the Canadian stereotype, I even played hockey for a year on an all-girls team) and like everyone here I just LOVE jenna’s blog. So there’s a little bit on me πŸ™‚

  • caitlin
    February 15, 2008 at 9:35 pm

    ok! my turn for an introduction… πŸ™‚ so nice to finally “meet everyone”

    i am 23 years old and live in orlando, florida, with my fiance and 2 dogs. i am an urban planner for a california firm (i work remotely… which makes it super easy to eat well, thank goodness!) and my fiance is studying to be an acunpuncturist. we are both very interested in fitness and health and try to integrate the best of western sciences and eastern beliefs in our everyday lives!

    my fav foods include: kashi cereal with yogurt, ground turkey (Yum!!), wheat pitas (yum), the salad bar at whole foods, and… of course… CUPCAKES! i love to bake things and am constantly trying new receipes. i try to make cupcakes healthy, but that isn’t really possible with the icing and all. but they are OH SO worth it!

    i lost 15 lbs after college and am maintaining that… now i’m trying to build muscle. i run (trying to cut back to gain some muscle mass) and enjoy doing the occassional race… orlando has lots so they are fun to try! i chart my food intake in a nice excel spreadsheet, and i need to get more protein, so i might start drinking shakes on my muscle building days… but that seems so boy-ish πŸ™‚ if anyone has tips on putting on muscle without gaining fat, i’d love to know! i’m 5 ft 4 and 115 lbs.

    i love how nice everyone is on this blog… reading it really makes my day! xoxo.

    thanks for all your hard work, jenna!

  • Anne
    February 15, 2008 at 9:38 pm

    I spy a super cute picture of you and Ryan on the dashboard in the background of the book picture… πŸ™‚

  • JennS
    February 15, 2008 at 9:41 pm

    I dont think I ever introduced myself either. I am 24 years old who loves food, and I LOVE cooking I too work the 9-5 life but am working getting out of that habit πŸ˜€ I love exercising, eating well and working on getting my fiancee to at least eat a little better! We are getting married this year, its probably the most exciting time of my life! I am half french, half “American” my father grew up in Cassis, France and my family is still there. Its one my favorite places on earth, how did I end up here? My mom and dad met at the University of Virginia and here he stayed, I attended Sweet Briar College. I look forward to learning lots of stuff-thats me!

  • blueberrybabe
    February 15, 2008 at 10:23 pm

    well i didn’t mention my age but thank god it seems like the “cool” age on this blog is 24! because that is what i am! phew! but it seems like i missed the engagement boat- what the hell? πŸ™‚ i have been with my bf for almost seven years…. mwa girls

  • Hayley
    February 15, 2008 at 10:29 pm

    Hey everyone! I wanted to introduce myself as well…I recently discovered this blog and I find Jenna and everyone who posts comments here to be so friendly and helpful, so I wanted to join the community! I am a college student in Halifax (Nova Scotia) but I’m originally from Toronto. So linds, I am also Canadian, but really not a typical Canadian! I absolutely hate the snow and the cold weather and I would love to move to Florida one day. I am very interested in exercise and healthy eating, however, I am currently trying to find my balance with it. I have a tendency to get a bit obsessive, I am a very anxious person and a bit too perfectionistic for my own good. I find this blog so refreshing because Jenna, your healthy outlook is exactly what I have been striving for, for a long time! I eat pretty similarly to you (mostly vegetarian, but I eat seafood) however I struggle with the confidence that you have about all the healthy things you do. I doubt myself a lot and I can get very down on myself sometimes. I do find that striving for healthy living helps me, and you are definitely right about yoga, it works wonders! I admire you and everyone on this blog, and I’m so excited to share healthy experiences with all of you. Its nice to officially “meet” everyone! XOXO

  • VeggieGirl
    February 15, 2008 at 10:30 pm

    It’s so lovely getting to know a little more about fellow bloggers/readers – haha, I’m probably among the youngest, at age 19 :0)

  • Alyssa
    February 15, 2008 at 10:53 pm

    Ok, now I feel obliged to say something! VeggieGirl, I’m also 19, so depending on your b-day…:P I live in a reallyyy cold part of the state and have struggled with my weight and body image (big time) since I can remember. I’m at a healthy weight right now after dealing with an ed for 3 1/2 years. I live a pretty healthy lifestyle and probably watch my diet a little toooo much. I’m kind of restrictive as far as variety goes, but I do eat meat (chicken the most if I can, depending on what my mom cooks for dinner), but I love my fruit and vegies! And bread, can’t forget about my bread! I don’t think i cold ever survive on atkins, I love my bagels, cereal, whole grain rolls, and whole grain pitas too much! Oh yeah, I’m in college…

  • linds
    February 15, 2008 at 11:14 pm

    Hayley!!!!! I’m from Halifax!!!!!! I grew up in Bedford (it’s right outside the city). Do you go to Dal? That seems to be where everyone who isn’t from the province goes. I miss the fresh seafood out on the east coast, not a whole lot of that in Montreal.

  • Anna
    February 15, 2008 at 11:46 pm

    Question: I can’t find the misto on the Starbucks nutrition info…does anyone know the calorie count for a tall skim? Just curious…thanks!

  • AshleyP
    February 15, 2008 at 11:46 pm

    So fun! I love this community! I’m 24 too, which is so funny how we are all pretty much the same age. And I can’t believe there is another city planner on here!! I’m a land planner working for the lovely state of FL up here in Tallahassee, which is pretty much culturally and geographicaly Georgia. I have always loved baking, and have recently been learning more about cooking…I pretty much lived on lean cuisines and kashi frozen dinners through undergrad and grad school (shameful, really). My food horizons are expanding and I love it πŸ™‚

    I went to Nova Scotia three years ago and it was the best vacation I’ve ever taken! So pretty and the seafood is so AMAZING (and I’m a native Floridian saying that!!)

  • Ashley
    February 15, 2008 at 11:50 pm

    Hey everyone! With all the interesting and friendly introductions, I felt compelled to introduce myself too! I’m 20, graduated at 17 though (December baby, sucks to have all my friends be 21 already!) I live in San Diego, California (anyone else?) and am very,very into healthy eating and exercise. I’ve struggles with maintaining a healthy body image my whole life and recently have been working on trying to eat a healthier amount of calories while exercising because who doesn’t love endorphins!?! I’m 5’9, with a pretty small frame and 124 pounds and constantly trying to figure out what a good caloric intake is for me, when I first looked up my bmr it said 1400 and I was shocked I was supposed to eat that much just if I was staying in bed all day! I too work a 9-5 job as a Legal Secretary but sadly just got laid off : ( I spend like all my extra money on books and food haha I think I’m not alone there and I LOVE Barnes and Noble and Trader Joes but also shop at Whole Foods, I love cooking, am going to college pursuing journalism and idk if I want to be a Lawyer, Reporter or English Professor yet (decisions!?! so hard when it comes to career…) I am not a Vegetarian but rarely, rarely eat red meat…like maybe once or twice a year. I work out like 6 times a week, recently took up spinning. Oh and I tried a Clif bar for the first time today and let me say YUM! I had the Carrot Cake flavor which was phenomenal, what are everyone’s favorite flavors of Clif bars? Oh also, curious, how many days off of exercise do you guys take off every week? I’ve been trying to figure out how many days I should take off. Oh, and I LOVE cooking! And obviousley this blog too : )

    Phew, that was long winded, sry! lol

  • Noodle
    February 15, 2008 at 11:57 pm

    Wooo Canada! I live in Calgary…have a friend going to Dal right now…she’s loves it. I am sooo jealous that Jenna gets to sit by the pool today.

  • linds
    February 16, 2008 at 12:06 am

    I am blown away by all the Nova Scotia connections right now. I never would have guessed πŸ™‚

  • Brittany
    February 16, 2008 at 12:07 am

    AshleyP,
    I am an FSU student. Woo for Tallahassee!

  • Hallie
    February 16, 2008 at 12:10 am

    I’m from San Diego too! Sorry, can’t relate to those who talk about all that snow (acutally, I can, I went to college in upstate NY…brrr). I don’t post on blogs much but since I saw another SD girl and so many were about my age (24 in May!) I thought I’d chime in. I was heavy in high school (lost 30 pounds senior year and after coming back from college lost about 10 more, give or take) so for me I’m trying to go against genetics and stay a healthy weight while still enjoying life…I went “diet crazy” once before and I don’t ever want to be in that place again. It’s been going well so far but I know it’s a tough journey for so many people. I think websites like these really help.

    P.S. I heard about Veganomicon from 101 cookbooks and I bought it ASAP. I’m not even vegetarian but I try to eat a few meatless lunches/dinners per week and even though all I’ve made is the hummus so far I LOVE the book! Can’t wait to try our the recipes on my “meat and potatoes” boyfriend.

  • Tia
    February 16, 2008 at 12:19 am

    I truly enjoy reading this blog everyday, heck who am I kidding, I check it more than once a day. However, I have yet to post anything. Reading a lot of you introduce yourselves has inspired me to follow suit. I am 26 and work as a Health Coordinator for a non-profit children’s organization. I currently live in Illinois and am hating this long, cold winter. I cannot wait to get outside and run, or at least enjoy the outdoors without bundling up first. I do not know how you girls in Canada do it, the Midwest winters are bad enough for me. One of the reasons I love this blog so much is because I am looking to have a better relationship with food and exercise, to find that balance that so many of us are striving for. Jenna you are such a good role model how to make food choices based on what your body is saying, how to exercise to feel good, and how to enjoy life. I am struggling to be less restrictive. To not view food as an obstacle or enemy and exercise as something I need to do to burn the calories I put into it. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy food and I really try (& succeed) at eating enough but it is that balace that is elusive. I also enjoy exercise, spinning is a new passion in my layoff from running. But sometimes it just feels like work, one more thing I have to do. I have struggled with an ED for the past couple years and have made great strides, but control has always been an issue. Also, I have recently discovered my love for cooking, and really enjoy discovering new ways to cook with delicious, natural, and healthy ingredients. Anyway, sorry that was so long winded, this is a little (or alot) about me. Nice to “officially” meet everyone!

  • Colleen
    February 16, 2008 at 1:07 am

    Hey girlies!

    I’m Colleen, 18, college freshman, and vegan!
    I’m an avid early riser- up before six each morning, asleep by ten.
    In addition to the vegan ‘rules,’ I don’t consume caffeine, or refined sugars.
    I don’t snack, I’m a neat/clean freak, and enjoy studying.
    (THEREFORE, not the typical ‘college girl,’ and therefore have no friends.)
    I run every single day- wouldn’t have it any other way.
    I’m an accounting major.
    I’m 5’4, and too tiny right now, but that’s a whole other, personal, issue.
    I read these blogs while I eat each meal by myself at my desk, but I enjoy my own company, and love to be alone most of the time.

    Glad to be a part of this happy community!

  • Annie
    February 16, 2008 at 1:19 am

    VeggieGirl I think I have you beat, Im only 18! But anyway, I wanna join on in this. My name is Annie obviously, and Im from Massachusettes. I love eating healthy, baking for my family and boyfriend (who loves everything UNhealthy), and just being outside. Im trying to get into a nutrtion program for next year, hopefully to be a R.D. I have struggled with restrictive eating like most others on here, but feel Im at an okay place right now. I may be a little to strict, but I still indulge. Im not a vegetarian, but basicly only eat chicken, turkey, and fish. I love fruits and vegis, I could actualy live off of them, and yogurt. I also love this blog, and thinks its such a great place for all of us to be able to talk openly. So thanks Jenna, and everyone else for being so nice, and not arguing like some other blogs!

  • Hayley
    February 16, 2008 at 1:38 am

    Hey linds!! I can’t believe you’re from Halifax, and I am also amazed at all the Nova Scotia connections on here…I never would have thought there would be! Yes, I do go to Dal. Have you moved to Montreal permanently or are you just there for school? Are you at McGill? I considered going there too! And you guys are all right about the seafood in Halifax…I never had anything like it in Toronto, its really good!

  • Nicole
    February 16, 2008 at 1:44 am

    Since my last pseudo-introductory comment was sappy, I’ll do a happier one:
    I’m nicole–I’m 21, originally from New York, but currently studying neuroscience in Boston (senior year!!). I’ll be starting med school in the fall, still in Boston, and hope eventually to become a pediatrician–probably neurosurgery or cardiology. If med school doesn’t agree with me, I’m planning to study to become either a chef or pastry chef. Alternatively, if I’m not happy with the outcome of the 2nd Tuesday in November, I’m fleeing to Europe to pursue the same goal. As I said, i’m veg but with fish in there pretty infrequently. I have possibly a borderline bizarre obsession with soup, vegetables of any kind, hummus (especially the harissa kind from whole foods), and plain yogurt. I absolutely love to cook (when I was studying for the MCAT we had about 15 different varieties of breads and cookies in my home, and I make the best risotto you’ll ever eat). I’m also quite attached to my yoga practice, and I’m considering getting trained to become a teacher this summer…we’ll see.

  • linds
    February 16, 2008 at 2:22 am

    Hayley! I do go to McGill, and I love it. I’m just here for school right now, but I graduate this year and would like to stay here next year, but I know it’s gonna be hard to get a job with only functional french
    πŸ™ I don’t think I’d want to stay here forever…too cold… I haven’t seen much of Toronto (just driving through) but I have a ton of friends from there so I know all the Toronto private school relations haha. I miss NS seafood so much, I feel like a snob but honestly when you’re spoiled like I am with the best it’s impossible to eat what they consider “fresh” fish here. So nice to meet you!!

  • faith
    February 16, 2008 at 2:38 am

    Oohhh i want to introduce myself too!

    My name is Faith and im 17 years old living in Tallahassee Florida(like some other readers i see!!). Im fairly new to this blog but i enjoy reading it so much-the meal ideas are amazing! I would love to be a pescestarian(sp?) but since I still live at home and cook for my family its difficult to make two different meals. I cook basically every night trying out new recipies…it so much fun! In my opinion nothing beats dunking a hot grilled cheese in to some good ol’ tomatoe soup.although i do have a fond love for coffee,hummus veggie wraps, sweet potatoes, broccoli,bananas and icecreaaamm with cookies.mmm yummy.
    I run cross country for my school and want to do a half marathon one day. Im most likely going to be living and studying abroad in Guatemala for my senior year of highschool next year(my cousins live there as missionarys)
    but im doing all of that AFTER i spend three weeks traveling around in Europe this summer! I obviously love traveling(even though it takes SO LONG to raise the money) reading, cooking,and yoga/pilates.oh and how could i forget shopping?!?!

    Nice “meeting” everyone-sorry this was so long! πŸ™‚

  • Regan
    February 16, 2008 at 2:51 am

    Well hello,
    My name is Regan, 18, college freshman here in sunny Florida.
    I love to cook and of course bake! Although I don’t get to cook as much as I’d like since I live in a little cracker box of a dorm room. πŸ™‚
    I truly enjoy exercising, and running. I love how I feel after a good workout πŸ™‚
    Much like Colleen I am always studying and I too eat every meal by myself at my desk while reading these blogs.
    I am a nursing major
    Right now I am struggling with weight issues, I am too thin and it partly has to do with college stress and personal issues. I am working with a nutritionist at school to slowly get to a healthier weight and I look to these blogs for inspiration, and I really love Jenna’s great attitude and personality.
    I look foward to keeping in touch with everyone through this blog and I hope that with this blog and your input I can truly begin to live a healthy well, balanced life.
    Great to meet you all!

  • Hayley #2
    February 16, 2008 at 2:57 am

    I guess I’ll join in! I’m 22 y/o and I live in Michigan (brrrrr). I am currently going to school for nursing, I have about a year left. I love all things healthy but also pretty much any type of baked good put in front of me. I’ve never had an ed, but I do struggle with restrictive eating. This blog has helped me to see that I can eat a piece of cake once in a while and not gain 10 lbs immediately. My favorite forms of exercise are running and weightlifting (probably 5-6 times a week). I have a long distance relationship as well, and I can’t wait for to graduate and finally live in the same place!

    Jenna, it’s so nice to see someone who has such a healthy relationship with food– it’s obvious how many people look up to you for it and your positive outlook in general:)

    good to meet everyone!

  • Brittany
    February 16, 2008 at 3:08 am

    Regan what school do you go to? I’m at FSU!

  • Amber
    February 16, 2008 at 3:26 am

    hi guys well i guess it’s my turn to tell you a little about myself. My name is Amber, 19, and attend University of Central Florida in Daytona Beach. Healthy food and wholesome cooking has always been really important to me and I just discovered food blogs like a month ago and i’m excited to see how other people incoporate healthy foods into their lifestyles. i ran cross country in high school and running now is basically my main form of therapeutic excercise. it’s really interesting to see how well everyone on here interacts and how nice everyone is compared to some other blogs, it’s a nice breath of fresh air. and p.s. i tried the chickpea cutlets and i could not believe how good they were. everyone needs to try them even if you’re not a vegetarian! so good.

  • Courtney
    February 16, 2008 at 3:32 am

    Hi everyone! I’m Courtney, and I’m 20 years old. I live in Maryland. I used to go to the College of Charleston, but I recently transferred to a school back at home. I love FOOD and everything about it. I’m interested in health and nutrition and I love cooking. I’m also a vegetarian, and have been one since August 2007. I love reading this blog everyday, and I really admire Jenna and all of you other blog writers for your hard work and dedication!

  • Terrormisu
    February 16, 2008 at 3:38 am

    I’ve posted but once before, but I wanna jump in and introduce myself too. Who doesn’t love talking about themselves, eh? =) I’ll put this in an easy-to-read spouted-facts format:

    *I’m an 18 year old comic-makin’, kitty-lovin’ Kentuckian.
    *I’m a senor in high school…I aspire to be a dietetics major in college.
    *I too am recovering from a restrictive eating disorder…interesting how so many of us here seem to be in the same boat.
    *A huge contributer to my recovery is my boyfriend, Kent. I chased that poor boy for 2 years before he broke down and asked me out…even before I thought I had a chance with him, the way he made me feel *just knowing him* convinced me recovery would be worth it. (I was in a pretty craptastic mindset…little things like “my organs will work!” didn’t work)
    *Initially inspired by the Eat Like Me blog, I now aspire to eat in terms of food groups opposed to rabid calorie counting.
    *I friggen love sweets. Even most of my main courses are usually sweeter than savory (for example, citrus glazed salmon, sweet and sour chicken, etc.) Whole grains, sweet potatoes (yamgasmically delicious x)), baby carrots, cauliflower, and fruits galore work their way into my diet daily. I do aim for naturally sweetened over refined sugars, however, homemade desserts are always worth it. (Especially tiramisu. SWEET, CREAMY COFFEE-INFUSED FLUFF OF ANGELS, it is.)
    *I am far too reliant on the microwave. My mom can’t cook and my kitchen is not well equipped. However, this blog is a dino-sized inspiration to begin cooking.
    *I eats the chickens, the turkeys, and the fishies. No red meat for me.
    *They call me, “Lauren.” I’m nodded at approvingly when I respond to it. I think it’s my name or something.

    Ah…that’s more ‘about me’ than any one here should have to handle at one time, so I’ll stop for now. x)

    One last thing though…I love the atmosphere of this blog. It’s so refreshing to find people with similar history and eating patterns…the discussions are always interesting…and thanks Jenna for such a bum-kicking blog!

  • Hayley
    February 16, 2008 at 8:11 am

    linds, I know what you mean about Montreal! It is a beautiful city and I definitely love it there, but the French can be intimidating for English speakers! Toronto isn’t as nice as Montreal and its definitely not as friendly as Halifax. That is one of the reasons I chose to come to Dal, I found the people here to be incredibly nice and genuinely caring about others! Do you come back to Halifax ever? Anyway, I’m really happy to meet you too!

  • linds
    February 16, 2008 at 1:41 pm

    People are so friendly in Halifax, that’s one thing that always stands out to me when I go back to visit. I think the next time I’ll be heading home is for Easter.. I’m going to Scotland for my spring break! Have you ever eaten at Jane’s or the Wooden Monkey? The second one is all local all organic food and it’s amazing, their blueberry pie is legendary πŸ™‚

  • Amy C.
    February 16, 2008 at 1:47 pm

    Hi everyone! I never introduced myself either. I’m Amy and I am 25 years old (does that make me the oldest? I turn 26 next month. Eep!). I’m from the North Shore of Massachusetts and I, too, work a 9-5 cubicle job. I’m at school for my MBA right now but I hope to not work in a cubicle once I graduate! I have recently taken more of an interest in nutrition and am transitioning to vegetarianism. I don’t care for meat, poultry, etc. and have always preferred veggies to any of that. Plus I love love love tofu, beans, and other stuff like that. I love this blog and think you guys are just the coolest. It’s nice to meet you all! πŸ™‚

  • Hayley
    February 16, 2008 at 4:43 pm

    I love both Jane’s and the Wooden Monkey! Its so funny that you mentioned them because they are two of my favourite restaurants here. Anyway, you should let me know when youre back in town for Easter! I might still be here. Have an amazing time in Scotland, I hear its beautiful!

  • Regan
    February 16, 2008 at 5:44 pm

    Hey Brittany I am up in Jacksonville. But I have alot of close friends that go to FSU, it’s so pretty up there.

  • linds
    February 16, 2008 at 8:27 pm

    I will for sure! And thanks, I’m soo excited, it’s my first time out of north america πŸ™‚ Add me on facebook if you have it!! lindsay frank, I’m in the McGill network.