Howdy guys! Happy Humpday!
I wish I was more uplifting right now but the truth is, this week is just KILLING me! I didn’t fall asleep last night until at least 10:00 and that puts me in at only getting about five hours of sleep. Since I was exhausted yesterday (and the day before) as well, this is sort of putting me over and edge and I’m super afraid of getting sick because my resistance is way down. I don’t know what happened last night….well actually I do! I was pretty upset about something going on right now, and that coupled with KILLER allergies (anyone want to tell me exactly how to use the “netti pot”?!) and an extreme headache from not hydrating enough yesterday completely killed me. I finally decided a snack would help and so around 9:00 I got up and fixed a tiny bowl of 1 weetabix biscuit with hemp milk (sorry no picture!). I think that actually did help a little and I felt better after I ate.
Regardless, the alarm went off way too quickly and my eyes were sunken in and bright red all day. However, I did have another really good morning snack!
Oh my goodness, I am just obsessed with these microwaved egg whites!!!!!! No seriously, they are rocking my world and I can’t wait to try more variations. This morning I just did two again for one minute and they turned out SO fluffy!!! I used to think egg whites were rather boring but these are pure fluff. And I love how big they get! I also had half of a fruit & grain bagel with almond butter and half of a sliced banana. It kept me going strong all morning even though I broke down at 4:30 and bought a grape kombucha. I usually save them for Fridays but NEEDED one this morning!
I broke around 8:00 for breakfast and dug into a monster sized breakfast cookie (3/4 cup oats, other half of banana, 1/2 scoop chocolate protein, 1 tbsp almond butter and splash of hempmilk)…this time with chocolate chips! The chocolate chips were perfect in it and will be a regular addition from now on. It was like eating a big ol’ chocolate chip oatmeal cookie for breakfast and I LOVED it
I honestly don’t know how I made it the rest of the morning. I was so tired and my boss even looked at me and asked me if I was okay…and then he sent me home 30 minutes early telling me to get some sleep! Gah! The only thing I wanted for lunch was a smoothie and so smoothie it was! This creation was totally Heather inspired because I’ve been loving all her amazing uses for avocado lately on her blog. Here’s what went in the ol’ Vita Mix this morning—
- 1/4 avocado
- 1 banana
- 1 cup silk light vanilla
- 1 tbsp ground flax
- 1 scoop chocolate protein
- few big squirts agave
It.was.the.best.smoothie.EVER!!!!!!!!!!!! The surprise avocado ingredient made it SO unbelievably creamy (thanks, Heather!), it was out of control. This is definitely my favorite smoothie combination to date and was very very filling to boot!
I was originally planning on doing yoga today but I’m just so worn out I might take a complete rest day and do some simple stretches on my own. Is it Friday yet??!
Jen, a priorfatgirl
March 11, 2009 at 11:21 amSorry about your rough couple of days – hopefully some well deserved sleep is in the near future!
I’m luvin’ your microwave eggs you’ve talked about the past couple of days – I’m going to have to give them a try!
joyful
March 11, 2009 at 11:23 amAw, poor Jenna, I’m sorry your week is going so badly! Can you nap or does that totally throw you off? (20 minute cat nap, I mean, nothing long!) On another note I LOVE that you put chocolate chips in your breakfast. Thank you for being a chocoholic, too.
Haleigh
March 11, 2009 at 11:24 amI am sorry you are having a bad week! The smoothie looks fantastic though. I would have never thought to add avocado to a smoothie.
FoodsThatFit
March 11, 2009 at 11:31 amSo I just started using the free trial membership to MyYogaOnline and they actually have a neti pot tutorial. It says I can send you the link…I’m doing it now…let me know if it works!
Abbie
Nicole
March 11, 2009 at 11:32 amYum!! The breakfast cookie and smoothie look good… I am drinking my protein green smoothie right now, but I am jealous of your avocado one!! I used to make a really good ice cream with some frozen bananas, avocado, chocolate powder and agave + a splash of almond milk in my vitamix. It was divine. Otherwise it is really good to just throw equal parts avocado and apple or pear into the vitamix for a really smooth pudding. You can try adding agave or dates if needed… anyway, love your blog!! Seriously. Get better.
Amanda
March 11, 2009 at 11:35 amI think a day of rest is a good idea. I hope you get some sleep tonight!
I want to try these smoothies I keep seeing all over the blog world but I hate to waste food and would be so upset if I didnt like the end product!
Paige
March 11, 2009 at 11:38 amOh bummer, sorry to hear you’re not feeling well. Definitely take a rest day — it’s sounds like you really need it! I hope you sleep better tonight!
Rebecca
March 11, 2009 at 11:39 amJenna, I’ve read your blog forever but this is my first time commenting. This week is absolutely killing me too!! I have insomnia from PMS, a killer cold, and I’m completely drowning in work that *has* to be done this week. Hang in there, we’ll make it!
About the neti pot, I remember you said you’d tried it before but all the water ran into your mouth, right? The key is to have just the right head angle. Here’s what I do (practice this first without the neti pot)…Bend your neck forward so you’re looking down into the sink. Then bend your head to the side so that your chin and forehead are on the same level. Don’t tuck your chin at all, by which I mean don’t do any kind of nodding motion. Practice the tilt a few times so you get the feel of it and then try it with the pot. If the water runs into your mouth, try tilting your forehead a little at a time until it works.
Good luck! I actually just tried mine for the first time this week because I was feeling so miserable, and it has definitely helped a lot. It’s a really weird and I think kind of uncomfortable feeling while you’re doing it, but afterward my sinuses felt much better!
brandi
March 11, 2009 at 11:41 ami hope you get some good rest today! No NAPS – but try to go to bed extra early 🙂
I need to try avocado in smoothies – i love them, so I don’t know why I haven’t already.
VeggieGirl
March 11, 2009 at 11:55 amME TOOOO!!!! I need the Friday & weekend. Now.
Love the egg whites – looks like a cloud!! 🙂
Also love Heather’s smoothie idea!!
Beadie @ What I Ate Yesterday
March 11, 2009 at 11:55 amI made my first green smoothie last night and I was really tempted to try it with avocado, now I am going to!!
Natalie
March 11, 2009 at 11:57 amAww, hang in there Jenna with the rest of this week!
Love the breakfast cookie and smoothie!
Kailey (SnackFace)
March 11, 2009 at 11:58 amSorry the day/week hasn’t gone so well! Only two more days though! I’d definitely take a rest day if I were you–change into those jammies and curl up with a book pronto! That should make you feel a little better. Your breakfast cookie looks spectacular, by the way. Have a lovely afternoon!
Amy
March 11, 2009 at 12:00 pmRebecca – great advice on the Neti pot. That’s how I do it too. Basically just make sure that the water is coming out your opposite nostril. Feels weird at first but so good in the end.
They actually have a squeeze bottle version available at drug stores now too which I find a little easier to do. There’s less positioning necessary and it just kind of shoots right though…
Brooke
March 11, 2009 at 12:00 pmHang in there girl! Funny thing…my boss came in and looked at me and said almost the same thing (that I didn’t look good at all…except she hasn’t sent me home yet…oh well). These crazy allergies are starting to get to me too! Anyways, I hope you get lots of rest today…enjoy reading your book! Take care of yourself!
Laura
March 11, 2009 at 12:02 pmHope you’re able to sleep better soon!
I’ve made breakfast cookies with chocolate chips before. They are so good!
Erin
March 11, 2009 at 12:03 pmThose egg whites are so fluffy!
Sorry to hear about your troubling week. I’m having an awful time adjusting to the time change, or at least thats what I’m blaming it on. Of course your situation is MUCH worse, so I hope you feel better soon!
Moran
March 11, 2009 at 12:06 pmWow I cannot believe these are egg whites! They look…whipped!!
I hope you get some more sleep tonight – I cannot wait till its Friday either
Danielle
March 11, 2009 at 12:11 pmRebecca definitely gave the best tips for the netti pot, the other thing I try not to do is swallow while i’m doing it, otherwise I feel like it’s drawing the liquid down into my throat. Good luck and get some rest!
Mara @ What's For Dinner?
March 11, 2009 at 12:13 pmThat smoothie looks amazing!!!
Sharon
March 11, 2009 at 12:14 pmOh wow, never thought to microwave egg whites! And I know what you mean, this week has been long long long!
Becca A
March 11, 2009 at 12:15 pmDefinitely take a rest day! I hope the rest of the week goes better for you!
Sarah
March 11, 2009 at 12:17 pmSorry you’re having a rough time this week. Hoping things turn around for you. About the neti pot, I have heard that there is a “how to” video on youtube. Maybe try that! Good Luck!
Maggie
March 11, 2009 at 12:19 pmHope this instructional video helps. I’ve never actually used one but people swear by them…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j8sDIbRAXlg
Perhaps this afternoon, you need some “Personal Admin. Time” where you can do EXACTLY what you want. No “To-do” list, no chores, no “but I’m just being lazy”- talk; just take time for you.
Sarah
March 11, 2009 at 12:42 pmHope you feel better soon! Also, if you can, you might want to take a break from being outside too much. That always makes my allergies terrible.
Sarah
Sarah (lovINmytummy)
March 11, 2009 at 12:45 pmI second the squirt bottle version of the Neti pot. A lot less awkward and messy.
That is the creamiest smoothie I may have ever seen. Heather is a culinary genius…as are you with that chocolate chip brekkie cookie.
Hope your day goes more smoothly!
Heather S
March 11, 2009 at 12:45 pmI typically don’t comment, but I love reading your blog! With the neti pot, the advice already given is great – but make sure you are well hydrated before you use it. I made the mistake of using it without being hydrated and the salt water caused a nasty headache. It is great though when used correctly. Hope you feel better!
Lauren
March 11, 2009 at 12:50 pmHang in there Jena! I hope things get better for you in the next few days.
Mindy
March 11, 2009 at 12:53 pmI use the neti pot occassionally and it has helped everytime. I was definitely grossed out by it at first but my bf insisted on its magical healing powers. It almost always clears up my stuffy noses. The tips given so far are helpful, especially the one where you can’t swallow. It’s hard to explain but you have to try to plug your nose from your throat.. try focusing on breathing through your mouth only.. your body might naturally close off the passage to your nose. Does that make any sense?? LOL anyway, i also suggest NOT using it if you’re completely stuffed.. no air in or out. I made the mistake of doing that and it affected my hearing for a few hours.
Courtney (The Hungry Yogini)
March 11, 2009 at 1:02 pmSo sorry your day has been so rough! I hope it gets better soon! Get lots of rest my friend!
Sarah W.
March 11, 2009 at 1:14 pmI hope nothing too awful is going on – feel better soon!
Thanks for reminding me that I should start donig my netipot am & pm beginning now before things get too bad!
Its really hard to explain how to use it – try googling some you tube videos. (the videos are HILIARIOUS) I had to show my mother how to use it and she freaked out.
I usually stand in front of the sink fill up my pot. I plug one nose, put spout to other nose. Then I slowly tip my head to the side and forward a bit. Don’t breathe or anything, just relax and let the water flow through!
Heather McD (Heather Eats Almond Butter)
March 11, 2009 at 1:20 pmJenna,
Friday will be here soon my friend. I think everyone is struggling with the time change this week. Hopefully tonight, you can take a hot bath and crawl into your warm Quaker robe. 🙂 I’m sending early to bed and restful sleep thoughts your way right now!
Take care my friend, and I’m so glad you enjoyed the smoothie (thanks for the shout-out). I’ve gone a little avocado crazy this week myself – so good!
Julie
March 11, 2009 at 1:28 pmHey girl! I’ve been reading your blog for a while now 🙂 I feel the SAME way! I got like NO sleep last night either..weird! Get to bed early tonight! And that smoothie looks deliiish
Emily
March 11, 2009 at 1:46 pmAww, I’m sorry today was so rough, Jenna!
Hope you can get some good sleep tonight!
Run Saraaah
March 11, 2009 at 1:49 pmSorry about the rough day, I hope you get some more sleep…extra sleep can do wonders, and I know how hard it is to get a good rest when you have awful allergies.
Run Saraaah
March 11, 2009 at 1:51 pmAlso, instead of a Netti Pot I just use a cup of water with some salt. You plug one nostril, snort it up, and then blow it out…kinda yucky, I know, but it really works.
Tara
March 11, 2009 at 1:55 pmI also recommend the squirt bottle. Life saver. Sometimes it does come out the mouth but my allergist says this is totally fine.
ariana
March 11, 2009 at 2:00 pmthere is a product called nasaline which is basically a large syringe that pushes a saline solution through your your nasal cavity to help clear it out… i love it! i suffer from major sinus problems. it’s way easier than a neti pot.
Shelby
March 11, 2009 at 2:07 pmGet some rest Jenna! I hope you feel better soon =)
Lovely smoothie, it looks crazy creamy!
Foodie (Fab and Delicious Food)
March 11, 2009 at 2:10 pmThe smoothie looks great!
RunToFinish
March 11, 2009 at 2:13 pmwow that’s way different than the smooties i’ve been making, I like it.
so sorry you’re stressed right now. I hope you can settle down with a book or do some yoga to slow down and relax.
Kristin
March 11, 2009 at 2:26 pmI am also so ready for this week to be OVER! I have one question though, how do all these young 20 something bloggers (like myself) afford $400 Vita Mix’s??? Are you all getting them mailed to you to try out? They look fab, but I could never afford to shell that out for a blender!
Hope your week gets better!
jenna
March 11, 2009 at 2:27 pmKristin,
I know! I was very lucky to be contacted by the company and receive one for free to test for the blog. Very thankful!
mh
March 11, 2009 at 2:30 pmhey there sweet girl! I’m so sorry you are having a hard week..I feel your pain! I tossed and turned all night last night and stared at the ceiling for 2 hours. that is the worst when you can’t sleep!! hang in there!
Elise
March 11, 2009 at 2:31 pmI highly recommend the Neti Pot – definitely over spray bottles, cups, or basically anything else. I use the ceramic pot by the Himalayan Institute, and it works so much more effectively for me than cheap plastic bottles ever have. It’s extremely durable, and it enables you to run a constant stream of water through your nostrils. WAY better than anything else I’ve ever used. I’ve had acute sinusitis for several years, and since getting one of these last December (a funny Christmas gift, I know, but I was so excited!) I’ve been sinus infection-free. I ‘Neti’ daily and couldn’t be happier.
http://www.amazon.com/Himalayan-Institute-Original-Neti-Ceramic/dp/B000WJIC3G/ref=pd_bbs_sr_2?ie=UTF8&s=hpc&qid=1236803382&sr=8-2
If you buy, don’t worry about their ‘special’ salt – my mom got it for me, but there’s nothing great about it. Kosher salt (or anything free of iodine) is less expensive and works just fine.
Elise
March 11, 2009 at 2:33 pmHmm, I realize now that your question was actually a *how-to* question. I supposed I get excited speaking of the wonders of Neti Pots. Tilt your head and be sure to breathe through your mouth. It’s basically what the instruction guides say, and that’s the best advice I can think to offer! 🙂
kristi
March 11, 2009 at 2:41 pmThat smoothie looks amazing!! I am totally copy and pasting that to try out soon!
Hope you get some rest and feel better soon!!
Kara
March 11, 2009 at 3:20 pmThanks for your super blog! Could you post the breakfast cookie recipe or a link to a previous posting of the recipe….looks fabulous! Hope tomorrow is a better day for ya:)
angelcubbie
March 11, 2009 at 3:30 pmHey Jenna, what’s your favorite granola? I’m just ran out and I want to try something other than the one I had because it wasn’t that great. thanks!
jenna
March 11, 2009 at 3:35 pmangelcubbie,
Ooooo I LOVE Zoe’s Honey Almond granola!!! I would have to say that is my favorite…but Nature’s Path Peanut Butter Granola is right up there as well! =)
Kara,
Find out more about the breakfast cookie from Gina’s blog—www.fitnessista.com !
Sarah (now in FL)
March 11, 2009 at 3:40 pmJenna, I’m so sorry your day/week has sucked. Hopefully a little Beth will make you feel better. Can’t wait to see you tomorrow!
emily
March 11, 2009 at 3:47 pmI hope you feel better and whatever you are stressed about clears up soon!!! That smoothie does look amazingly creamy!
gradgirl
March 11, 2009 at 4:08 pmI just found your blog and I’m pretty sure I just spent about an hour reading your past posts! I feel you about the weather. I’m in South Florida now but I used to live in Tampa. Thanks for the encouraging workout/food posts! I need all I can get!
K
March 11, 2009 at 4:18 pmDefinitely take it easy today!! You deserve a relaxing evening!
Victoria
March 11, 2009 at 4:36 pmI hope tonight goes better for you, and the week improves! I just checked out the mushroom channel! Your recipe looks fantastic, but your badge link isn’t working, because the url is missing the H in mushroom. Just wanted to let you know!
Leanne
March 11, 2009 at 4:45 pmAvocado in a smoothie is definitely a winner!! I had something similar for lunch yesterday and I thought it was super creamy as well… I think it may be a regular addition!
Bec
March 11, 2009 at 5:47 pmHope you get a good sleep!
Kristine
March 11, 2009 at 6:26 pmso do you just add some egg whites to a bowl and just nuke em for a minute? im going to try this tomorrow!