Alright.
I’ve been fretting all night (well, not really) about how to tell you all about this. I decided the only way to do it, is bluntly.
Last night I ate a piece of proscuitto.
Don’t hate me!!!!
I’d like to say it was a weak moment, but really it wasn’t weak at all and I just wanted to eat it so I did. I hope my actions don’t upset anyone too greatly—I never promised I would stay away from meat for the rest of my life when I said I was becoming a vegetarian last spring. I think I just go through phases….sometimes I want it and other times I want nothing to do with it. I think that’s normal (I hope?). In all honesty, eating what I want and not putting rules or guidelines on anything is what makes me the happiest. I think all girls need to listen to their body and give it what it wants, not punish it because you set a rule for yourself. I think I always lacked the real strength in the matter….even though I didn’t eat it myself I always thought in the back of my mind, “yeah those chick fila nuggets are sooooo good”. I don’t condone how the animals are treated at all but I just love food so much, and have made it such a vital part of my life (hell, I paid 40 grand to make it a vital part of my life!) that I don’t find I can limit myself to anything right now. Deep down, and anyone who knows me knows this, I love all food. I love gourmet food. I love stinky cheese in paris and ham and cheese sandwiches from street vendors in the latin quarter. I also love tofu. And tempeh. And beans. But…sometimes I love a homemade burger made by my dad with real wisconsin cheddar cheese melted on top. And I love raw vegetables and soymilk too. I think theres a balance to it all and no one is right or wrong or less of a person depending on their food choices. Eating meat is not going to make you fat as eating tofu is not going to make you skinny. Eating everything you want in moderation, exercising and surrounding yourself with people you love will make your life better and longer though and I think that’s what we need to strive for. It’s not a competition as to who can eat the healthiest. It’s about each individual and how they make themselves happy because you are all you’ve got.
Okay. That being said let’s move on to breakfast.
I broke out the dusty egg poacher from the cabinet and made two perfect poached eggs atop Erin’s homemade bread that she brought me from the bakery. I had cherries on the side with orange juice, then later an espresso as I sat on my couch and pondered how to tell you all about last night’s endeavors.
Today is my day to get everything done because I work tonight (picked up an extra shift for tips!), tomorrow and the next day before I leave for Tampa on Tuesday night and then to NC on Wednesday night. I’m going to clean, do laundry, make soup, read and do yoga. Speaking of yoga, my arms are incredibly sore from the power yoga class I did yesterday from the website I told yall about! How about that?! So often we feel we can’t get a good workout unless we are in a gym. Millions of people in the world don’t go to the gym though and still manage to exercise. We just need to step out of the box!
Enough deep, random thoughts for Sunday morning. But first, think of this as a little blog exercise. It might help. Take out a piece of paper (or write it as a comment here) and think of 10 things that make you really, really insanely happy. So happy you grin like you’re four and you just got a chocolate sundae. No particular order. I’ll go first:
1. Raspberry-Rose sorbet from Paris
2. The mountains
3. Eating pizza with Ryan
4. Cooking with my mom
5. Crepes with nutella
6. Barnes and Noble
7. The Nordstrom’s shoe section
8. My home
9. My moleskine journal
10. Writing until my hand aches
What makes you happy?
Nikki
June 29, 2008 at 1:56 pmJenna,
Thank you for being totally honest with us about what you eat. I agree that you should listen to your body and if you really want something, go for it. Life is too short. Moderation is the key to eating healthy and you definitely do so. You eat right, exercise, and you’re in great shape, so you’re doing something right! Don’t let anyone make you feel guilty, you definitely don’t have to be a vegetarian/vegan to be healthy. Anyway, I love your blog! Have a great day 🙂
Nicole
June 29, 2008 at 2:03 pmJenna,
Your Sunday morning post has made me feel a lot better about myself and my eating habits. I often feel as if I am not eating “good enough.” I, too, struggle with guilt when I eat certain foods. I am glad to see that I am not the only one! Keep up the good work and the positive attitude!! Take care!
Sarah
June 29, 2008 at 2:07 pmI agree with you 100% I’m still trying to work on eating what I truly want to and feel like eating rather that what I am “supposed to” eat. Same with exercising. I’m a huge planner and organizer and try to plan my meals and workouts for the week so I make sure I can get everything in. But sometimes I just don’t feel like doing what I had planned. I’m really going to try to work on listening to my body more. I’m so glad that I’m not alone here! And please NEVER feel guilty about eating something because you might upset your blog readers! You should be eating what makes YOU happy and not what we expect of you. We are reading not only to see what you eat, but because of your positive attitude and insights.
Now the fun stuff!
For my top 10:
1. Watching the sun set on the beach
2. Cooking with my family and friends
3. A cup of coffee and a good book
4. Barnes and Noble
5. My house
6. Ice cream
7. Going out for coffee with friends
8. Grocery Shopping
9. A long walk or run on a pretty day
10. A good dry red wine
Julie
June 29, 2008 at 2:10 pmHi, I love your blog and have been reading it for a while but never commented. I’ve been a vegetarian for about 17 years – was strict veggie until about 2 years ago when I started eating seafood. At first I felt bad, like I was doing something wrong – so I know how you feel! But I totally agree with you – if your body wants something, you should have it!
Julie
June 29, 2008 at 2:11 pmoh, and by the way – where are you going in NC? I’m in NC – it’s a beautiful state 🙂
Kristie
June 29, 2008 at 2:12 pmWhat makes ME happy? This entry. I love that you were able to admit your “stray” from the vegetarian diet and that you have such a great outlook on the way food should be enjoyed. Thanks for laying it out, it was great to hear and you shouldn’t worry at all about eating something that you wanted to eat.
Now I’m off to ponder a list for myself of 10 things that make me happy. Thanks for offering something cheery to think about for the day!
Kel Lee Leee
June 29, 2008 at 2:17 pmI love that you’re keeping your blog interesting and finding what works for you!
ecb275
June 29, 2008 at 2:18 pmhi! 🙂 please don’t worry about the prosciutto, or changing your diet a little bit so that it’s not all vegetarian. Like you said, moderation is key to health–and besides, the other reason why I think I choose to TRY to eat mostly vegetarian (but I do eat meat in moderation) is the environment. As long as you don’t eat lots of red meat, which you don’t, you won’t increase your carbon footprint or anything like that. Enjoy yourself. You’re young, beautiful and have a bright future ahead of you– eat what you want, because it will keep you happy and beautiful on the inside and the outside!
My top 10 (in no particular order):
1. Cooking with my mom as well!
2. My sister
3. A gorgeous day at the beach with my mom and sister
4. Going for a long, energizing run up the West side of NYC
5. My boyfriend, the love of my life
6. My shih-tzu, Georgie
7. Dark chocolate (I have to have some every night)
8. Making other people proud/happy
9. Catching up with friends
10. Restaurants–in all shape, size and locale
Meghan
June 29, 2008 at 2:20 pmI completely agree with your philosophy about food and eating what you want, when you want it. (Within moderation, of course!) I applaud you for being honest and open about food. Remember, this is YOUR blog, no one can tell you what’s acceptable and what’s not.
As for the yoga thing, you’ve inspired me to download one, and as soon as my breakfast digests I’m off (the computer) to try my first yoga download class!
Here are my top 10 things-that-make-me-happy:
1. Cinnamon
2. Enjoying a meal with my boyfriend
3. When I’m going for a run and I don’t think I have a lot of energy left but suddenly I find myself sprinting
4. Soft serve frozen yogurt
5. Spending all day out and about with my mom
6. Finally reaching the top of a mountain on a grueling hike
7. Eating indian food with my mom
8. Well deserved naps
9. Having someone truly LOVE whatever dish/dessert I prepared
10. Being absolutely goofy with my boyfriend
Lauren
June 29, 2008 at 2:39 pmI feel like I’ve commented in your blog about 20 times in the past day, lol, but I really, truly enjoy it. Your post today really captures my main reason for liking your blog so much: your good-natured candor, and your encouraging other women to do whatever makes *them* feel their happiest and healthiest. You have a great perspective on food and wellness.
Ten things that make me insanely happy:
1. Trying new restaurants with my boyfriend
2. Good wine
3. The beach in Kiawah Island, SC
4. The entire island of Nantucket, MA
5. Having a good writing day
6. Cooking or baking with my mom
7. Early morning runs along the Hudson River
8. My best friends (my boyfriend, my friend Tara, and my best-best friend Sara, who I’ve known for 25 years — since we were tiny babies)
9. Visiting my family and sleeping in my super-comfortable bed
10. My dog
Megan
June 29, 2008 at 2:43 pmJenna,
I love what you said about moderation and eating for what is right for you. I gave up meat about the same time you decided to go back to vegetarianism. I have had moments that were “weak” moments and felt so bad. I think the reason is once you tell someone you don’t eat meat they expect you to eat like that all the time and the moment you have a piece of meat they question who you are. Without a doubt every time I have eaten a piece of meat I get a puzzled look and a comment like ” I thought you didn’t eat meat.” It makes you feel awful and like you have failed to uphold a lifestyle. At any rate, don’t feel bad about the meat. I could not agree with you more that there are days when a piece of bbq’d meat taste heavenly or you are at a fine restaurant and can’t restist the fine meats and cheeses they offer. It is all about balance and moderation. You have to do what is best for you and what makes you feel the best.
My top 10 happy list 🙂
1. Cooking and sharing a gourmet meal with my family
2. Hiking in the moutains
3. Riding my bike
4. Summer time
5. Travelling
6. Playing soccer
7. Good wine
8. Grocery shopping
9. Eating
10. Spending time with my family and friends anywhere and anytime
Maureen
June 29, 2008 at 2:51 pmJenna,
Once again, bravo! I think we all need to be “better animals.” By that, I mean, listening to our bodies and not putting so much micro – managing into our diet. Life is to short to define our food, exercise etc, into distinct boundaries.
You admitting your food deviation is yet another example of how you show a healthy, and balanced approach.
Anyway, I could go on about how much I like your attitude on eating and exercise, but here goes on my top 10.
In no particular order…
1. A great glass of red wine on the patio with my husband
2. My golden retriever, Chase
3. Cooking with my husband
4. Boating out in open water
5. Happy hour with my girlfriends
6. Watching a beautiful sunset
7. Walking along a beach
8. Hearing live music and watching a band perform
9. A great chocolate chip cookie
10. Laying by the pool with a good book and nothing to do but read it.
Kimberly
June 29, 2008 at 2:54 pmJenna,
Please don’t feel bad about the prosciutto! Your diet is your decision 100%, and if someone dares to judge that – screw ’em. Besides, feeling secure enough to make exceptions and occasionally indulge makes healthy eating much more sustainable! As for me, I eat vegan 98% of the time, but if I’m meeting a guy’s parents for the first time, or at an important business lunch without vegan options, I usually eat what’s served, knowing it’s a one-time exception. Makes my life much easier 🙂
So, my 10:
1. My cat
2. Sunday morning spent at Starbucks, reading the NY Times
3. Ordering room service in a four-star hotel room
4. Whole Foods
5. My books
6. Cinnamon soy lattes
7. NYC summer nights
8. Putting on an outfit that makes me think, “I look hot!” 😉
9. The final 30 seconds of an intense workout
10. Wandering through SoHo at 8am on a weekend, when the entire city is still asleep
Nadia
June 29, 2008 at 2:58 pmaww…nice…i’m glad u were honest. I’ve rarely been checking food blogs and catching up on urs today…last nights dinner looked yummy! I love sangria 😛 Top 10 things that make me happy – in no particular order:
1) shopping at free people or just shopping in general lol
2) hanging out with friends in the east village. I went to college at NYU and adored the area so any excuse to go back there is always welcome
3) just plain old lounging around with my boyfriend
4) chatting with my mom
5) long phone conversations with friends
6) going on long drives
7) perfect cup of coffee in the morning
8) the instant gratification right after cleaning up – i hate to clean so if i force myself to get it all done i’m much much happier
9) a really good sweaty workout
10) day spas
Chef Erin
June 29, 2008 at 3:02 pmLast night was fun! And I’m so happy I got to meet Dexter- he’s so cute, and the most playful cat I’ve ever seen!
My 10 (in no particular order)-
1. Costume parties
2. Dinner with friends (good food is always better with good company)
3. A glass of red wine or a good dark beer
4. Sleeping in
5. Throwing parties
6. Soft, fluffy snow (doesn’t happen here!)
7. Going on a trip
8. Shopping!
9. Croissants, right out of the oven
10. Watching other people eat what I’ve cooked for them
BethT
June 29, 2008 at 3:08 pmJenna,
I think you and I are alike. I gave up meat for a long time and when my body starting craving it, I gave it but felt guilty. Then I decided I would eat meat as long as most of my consumption was from organic/free range/cruelty free farms, which I have the luxury to purchase from where I live. I also decided that I didn’t need meat every day, but if I felt like I wanted it, I would have it.
Finally, I decided not to feel guilty about this because who wants to be guilty about the food they eat? I was especially inspired by the fact that Mollie Katzen herself is eating meat – check this out: http://www.foodandwine.com/articles/why-vegetarians-are-eating-meat
sarah
June 29, 2008 at 3:10 pmi love that you are flexible to your own desires and wants. there is nothing wrong with experimenting with veganism and having other times when you want to venture into other realms of cuisine. 🙂
and, i love your idea for this list.
1. sleeping in until i wake up
2. snuggling with my husband
3. hot coffee
4. being out in the sun
5. runs where i feel fast and free
6. finishing any big project
7. shopping
8. anything orla kiely
9. pretty stationary products
10. ice cream/frozen yogurt in the summer
Janet
June 29, 2008 at 3:11 pmI’ve been beating myself up for “falling off the wagon” for the past couple of weeks. My neighbor are VERY strict vegans and from Nov – May I’ve been transitioning to a vegan diet and I was doing very well. However, until recently my body has been craving certain foods (which I’ve been resisting), but finally I gave in. Like you I exercise, try to limit my fat intake and pretty much try to eat a healthy diet. I enjoy all types of food. Whenver I’m around my neighbor I feel guilty for not having the “will” to stick to a vegan diet. But, then again, I also believe that everything in moderation can be just as healthy.
jessica
June 29, 2008 at 3:28 pmHello all!
I am a daily reader but don’t post much at all, but i wanted to partake in this mornings discussion. I really think you’re outlook on food is great jenna. i eat much the same way. i eat vegetarian/vegan a lot of the time- because i really like the food, but i also really really love a good med rare steak sometimes or really good cheese or ice cream. i’ve given up feeling bad about the food choices i make- and i’ve lost 30lbs. i truly truly love food- everything about it, the history, culture, social, emotional and health aspects of it. i don’t want to dampen my enjoyment of any of it with guilt…..
that being said, i am also excited about the “happy list”.
1.sunday mornings- pancakes and coffee and snuggling and playing with my dog in the yard
2.cooking
3.new cookbooks
4.my niece and nephew
5.hanging out with my grandma
6.grocery shopping
7.good books
8.wine
9.doing anything with any of my good friends
10.hiking
i could go on- i keep a daily gratitude journal. mostly my whole life makes me insanely happy- even the sometimes not so good parts, because it’s just part of the journey. i feel lucky to have my life.
Kimberly
June 29, 2008 at 3:46 pmNadia, I went to NYU as well — nothing beats a $3 A.T.C. from Dojo!
Kenzie
June 29, 2008 at 3:56 pmHey there! I’ve been meaning to post you a comment for quite awhile, but for some odd reason I haven’t. My name’s Kenzie and I’m 17 and go to high school in Orlando. It’s actually kind of funny, it took me awhile to figure out you lived really close to me until lately because I saw that you posting about the Whole Foods madness this week! I swear I thought my mom was going to go insane if she heard me say anything more about Whole Foods ( I’ve been talking nonstop about it ever since I knew we were getting one…like 8 months ago!). I as well am addicted to the DP Barnes and Noble and as I was looking through your entries I saw that you went to Amuras and talked to a few high school kids going to prom and it’s weird because alot of my good friends went to Amuras before prom that night. Small world! 🙂 Also, my mom works at Season’s 52 and if you haven’t already been there I really think you’d love it!
But anyways, I digress. I meant to commend you on your post! I was also an on-and-off again vegetarian and I thought my close friends who were vegan/vegetarian would stone/exile me from our group of friends when they found out I started eating meat again! I still would never regret it, because I knew it was what my body needed, but your post made me feel like I wasn’t the only “crazy” one . In the world of high school it’s often really hard to get away from all the dieting-fasting-eating-disorder-ridden mania that is all over the place here. It’s really refreshing to read a blog from someone with an amazing food philosophy like your own, so thank you! 🙂 I think one of my very favorite quotes that really explains my whole food philosophy is from Sophia Loren, who said ” Everything you see I owe to spaghetti” .
So now on to my happy list which, oddly enough, isn’t too much different from yours ( aside from eating pizza with your boy friend and the shoe section of Nordstroms, because 1. that would be a bit weird and 2. I’m in high school and therefore do not have any money! )
1. Traveling ( or living vicariously through Anthony Bourdain and Samantha Brown on Travel Channel)
2. Peanut Butter and Nutella
3. Grocery and school supply shopping.
4. My ruby red Moleskine and the feeling you get after you finish a journal.
5. Finding a new band that you really love.
6. Barnes and Noble
7. Harry Potter ( and yes, I am one of those people who dresses up for all of the book/movie premieres. It’s a good thing I don’t have very much shame! )
8.Going on a long bike ride/walk with my best friends.
9. My Collie-St.-Bernard-German-shepher mix, Tank.
8. My guitar and ukulele
9. Learning languages ( Random, yes.)
10. And more appropriately so, the Goodwill shoe section 🙂
Katie S
June 29, 2008 at 4:02 pmOh my goodness Jenna, never feel guilty!! You are really quite an inspiration and I’m so glad that you are eating whatever your body is craving!! That is so true- girls don’t listen to their bodies these days. Good for you!! You have such a fantastic outlook, I only wish I knew more people who are so positive. Enjoy your day!!
Sandra
June 29, 2008 at 4:58 pmI think it’s fantastic that you just eat sensibly and don’t fret too much about it. We all could stand to do so, and probably would look and feel better for it, too! (You have a fantastic figure.)
My only (small, so please, no one flame me!) pet peeve is when people who eat fish describe themselves as vegetarians. Fish are animals, so are shrimp and other crustaceans. If you eat them, you’re an omnivore who usually follows a vegetarian diet, not a vegetarian!
Anyway, good for you eating what your body craves – it seems like Mireille’s book is really resonating with you since you re-read it, what with your gym and food reflections. 🙂
polly
June 29, 2008 at 5:03 pmJenna,
Never feel guilty! You are a healthy, happy girl and you seem to know what you need and when. I think that’s awesome. Enjoy this Sunday and Dex is very cute. 🙂
Bridget
June 29, 2008 at 5:28 pmJenna, I lurk around here but don’t comment often…anyways, I’m so glad to see you are eating what your body craves. There’s nothing to feel guilty about for taking good care of your body!
10 things that make me happy:
1. My dog
2. My husband
3. Sitting outside on summer nights
4. A long, sweaty run
5. Baking
6. Baseball games
7. Going to the salon
8. Completing anything
9. Spending time with my parents, sisters, brothers-in-law, niece and nephew
10. Getting dressed up
Nadia
June 29, 2008 at 5:55 pmKimberly,
I LOVED dojo…affordable, veggie and delicious. couldn’t go wrong…and i have to add – two of my other ‘cheap eats’ in that area – a $2 falafel from mamoun’s and that kati roll place 😛
nicole r.
June 29, 2008 at 5:58 pmah i love this idea:
1. new york city. anything and everything about it. anything and everything that happens here. especially the subway, which is really efficiency at its yet unmatched finest.
2. yoga outside. yoga in general really. sweating like a maniac is really my thing haha
3. my friends/family/dog
4. new books
5. fixing things. especially fixing things for other people. relatedly, helping people.
6. learning (learning how to fix things especially. hey, im going to med school for a reason haha)
7. massages
8. rainy days
9. new shoes!
10. the trip and first night home for vacations and holidays
Amy C.
June 29, 2008 at 6:11 pmJenna, don’t feel guilty at all! I think a lot of us are still figuring out what we want to eat that will keep us healthy. I’m very similar in that I eat vegetarian about 90% of the time but sometimes I just really want my grandmother’s baked fish or chicken. Like exercise I guess we all just need to step out of the box and do what is best for us.
I love this 10 happy things part of the blog. It’s been a crappy day so thinking of the happy stuff is perfect for my mood! 🙂
1. Broadway… everything about it. The costumes, the music, the theatres. I just love it all.
2. Running. I love getting out in the fresh air and working up a sweat as gross as I may look afterward!
3. Buying new books.
4. Baking cupcakes with my best friend.
5. Going out to dinner with my family and/or friends.
6. Road trips!
7. Vacation. It doesn’t matter where or when. I just love vacation.
8. Concerts (particularly Kelly Clarkson ones! 😀 )
9. Grocery shopping
10. Macaroni & Cheese
Becca A
June 29, 2008 at 6:15 pmJenna,
Thank you for being so honest. I decided for my 25th birthday to go vegetarian but have had poultry plus a few bites of hamburger/steak since then and have felt so guilty about it. Your honesty makes me feel so much better and I agree that you should listen to your body!
1. My cat
2. My family
3. Baking-I can’t wait to start my pastry program in a few months!
4. The feeling after a good work-out, whether it be a good yoga session or a good run
5. A perfectly prepared meal
6. Accomplishing something that I first thought impossible
7. Good wine
8. Breakfast
9. Exploring new places
10. Seeing old friends
Phoebe
June 29, 2008 at 8:10 pmHey Jenna,
Prosciutto is great, don’t feel bad about eating it, it’s great that you have such a healthy and flexible diet and that you truly appreciate food for exactly what it is. Although I’m a total non-vegetarian now I have been a vegetarian in the past on and off for long periods of time and obviously have those leanings. One thing I read somewhere, I can’t remember where (I think maybe in Michael Pollan’s The Omnivore’s Dilemma? or something else) that although we have all these ideas about what is “right” and “wrong” to eat, there is no way to connect food with morality the same way that you can connect being rude to people or cheating on financial statements or betraying a friend with morality so I think that keeps it in perspective a little. That gets more complicated thinking about ethics in which different kinds of foods are produced (whether from animal rights perspective or workers’ rights perspective) of course but I think it is better to have an earnest attitude and follow your instincts than to obsess about things. I don’t think my thoughts on this make all that much sense but I don’t really know how else to say my mishmash of thoughts!
On to the list! Fun idea . . .
1. Reading the Sunday Times while drinking coffee and eating gelato at my favorite cafe (Cafe Istria for those in Chicago)
2. Just sitting around or doing ANYTHING with my friends at school
3. Watching Buffy!
4. Spending time with my best friend whom I don’t get to see very much at all anymore
5. Really nice soap
6. Listening to late night public radio programs
7. Live Baroque music
8. My dorm room at school, it’s tiny but cozy and I have all the things I like up on the shelves
9. Farmers’ markets (actually grocery shopping of any kind)
10. Hot weather (really)
KatieF
June 29, 2008 at 8:13 pmJenna-
I admire your willpower and honesty! I am not a vegetarian (and will probably never be one) but I think it’s great that you don’t deprive yourself and when you want something, you let yourself have it in moderation.
My 10:
1. Watching movies while eating pizza with my husband
2. Having a big dinner with my family
3. When my dog gets so excited to see me that he runs around in circles
4. A long run on a cool day (or really, on almost any day)
5. Relaxing with a midmorning macchiato at a piazza cafe in Italy
6. A glass of wine enjoyed with a good conversation
7. Cooking new meals
8. Hiking to the top of a mountain with a gorgeous view
9. BBQing with friends
10. Pajamas, slippers, a cup of coffee and a good book
Megs
June 29, 2008 at 8:48 pmNo matter how hard anyone tries, they will never be perfectly, amazingly, overwhelmingly happy with their food choices all the time.
As far as the lists of ten- I LOVE this idea.
1) Checking off every single thing on a to-do list.
2) Running faster and stronger than anyone else on nearby treadmills.
3) Trident Splash Strawberry Kiwi Gum.
4) Celebrity gossip magazines.
5) Diving into FREEZING cold water at the beach, and SLOWLY adjusting to it.
6) Eating all the chocolate icing, and not the yucky cake.
7) Trashy Romance Novels
8) Getting compliments on runner’s calves, “jacked” biceps or six-pack! (Wish this happened more:P)
9) Watching people’s reactions when they hear my best 5K time.
10) Desperate Housewives (the TV show, not the noun. Hahahahahaha!)
Clara
June 29, 2008 at 10:36 pmI love this post, and your happy list 🙂 Shame/guilt over something is the worst possible thing – don’t you have any for a moment! You are sooo much healthier than so many Americans, and with that you have this great moderate, care-free philosophy to working out/eating well. You go!!!
My ‘happy’ list:
1. Spending hours in Barnes & Noble
2. Opening gifts
3. Holding a cat
4. My birthday
5. Coldstone ice cream – particularly ‘birthday cake remix’ 😀
6. Getting up early & staying up late (preferably not on the same day)
7. Traveling – the actual act of traveling: being in a car, plane, bus, etc. If you’re going somewhere great than its an added bonus, but I love just moving towards some direction.
8. Really great ‘chick-lit’ reads
9. Listening to my iPod while in the car or on long walks
10. Going to the movies
and just because sooo many things in this world make me happy:
11. Talking all night with my best friend
12. Early morning soy lattes
13. Writing and writing and writing
14. Seeing someone again after a long time
15. Watching whole seasons of my favorite TV shows, without commerical interruption (Desperate Housewives, Gilmore Girls, Lost…)
Have a great Saturday!!
Tye
June 29, 2008 at 10:50 pmJenna,
One point you mentioned that really hit home with me was when you said:
“It’s not a competition as to who can eat the healthiest.
It’s about each individual and how they make themselves happy because you are all you’ve got.”
Thank you for reminding me of this. I often feel like it is one big competition when reading these blogs. Sometimes I feel like bloggers are sometimes trying to look the best or do out-do others. Or people in my life will try to make it seem like they eat perfectly and have the best life. The fact is, no one does. I wish women could get over this whole sense of compeition among one another.
I really commend you for writing this post today. I hope that it will challenge the way we see things.
One of the main reasons why I keep coming back to your blog is because you KEEP IT REAL. You honestly do. I love your honesty- whenever there has been an issue you are brave enough to speak your mind.
You are a great inspiration to listen to your body- whether that means a big dripping ice cream cone on a hot evening or a lovely home cooked meal of grains and veggies.
Lauren
June 29, 2008 at 11:01 pmNadia and Kimberly…I love that you mentioned Dojo! I used to go there all the time when I went to NYU =) I always really liked that carrot dressing…somehow, it was really, really good.
Sarah (future FL girl!)
June 30, 2008 at 12:59 amI agree–feel no shame! I have eaten meat two times since becoming a vegetarian–once at the home of a Korean family I tutored (they had prepared a traditional Korean meal for me, which included beef) and another time after volunteering for the Make a Wish Foundation when the volunteers were treated to a homemade chicken and tomato soup. Both times it would have been awkward and ungrateful to refuse. And hey, you should be in control of your diet–your diet shouldn’t control you. That’s not a healthy mindset at all! If you want to try something, you should feel free to go for it.
I liked your yoga post yesterday. I have also thrown around the idea of quitting my gym-going. My body seems to be happiest when I walk and swim for my exercise. It does seem a little unnatural to pay to work out indoors on a machine like the PreCor amongst miserable people when I could just walk outside for free, feel less sore, enjoy the sounds of nature and get my Vitamin D, too. Why French Women Don’t Get Fat addresses this and has definitely made me think about it, and I have begun walking more as a result.
The happy list is a GREAT idea for me today…my fiancee just left for the next month after a three day visit, so I am trying to find some joy in things around me. This is in no particular order:
1. Going to Barnes and Noble. This is my favorite “relaxation” exercise. I have so many positive associations with this place that just walking into the store makes me feel good. Getting a coffee or tea that I am craving and settling into a chair or tiny table with some thought-provoking or thought-numbing reading material makes me feel even better.
2. COFFEE. Good single-origin coffee, a blend done right, an awesome soy latte, iced cold press coffee, a coffee light frappuccino…there are more options and variations that I like, but these are the major ones. Mmm.
3. Listening to, drinking to, and dancing to jazz and big band music.
4. Taking my puppy for a walk and seeing her charge at birds like she actually has a chance of catching them.
5. Days when my body feels good and I have energy and the ability to move however I want. On these days, I am grateful for all my body is and can do and I want to treat it with respect and reverence. It’s a wonderful feeling.
6. Spending time with my fiancee in ANY capacity or activity. Honestly, I love it when we are just taking a walk, grocery shopping, or reading the paper together…it doesn’t have to be a “special” activity (though I love getting dressed up for those, too!) Our favorite cheap date is getting to-go sushi (which we eat by candlelight) and watching a movie or episodes of the Office and to me, those are just as special as any of our bigger ones.
7. Interactions with children who are cute and a bit spunky. I love making faces at random children while their parents aren’t looking to see what they do! It’s always entertaining…
8. Feeling warm. I am frequently cold and so I love sitting next to heaters or fires, holding steaming hot beverages to my face, hot showers, lying in the sheets and towels I have just taken out of the dryer, touching asphalt with my bare feet on a hot day, and feeling the sun hit my face a bit too long.
9. Coffee and workout dates with my best friend. We used to do this every weekend in high school…now we live so many states away but always reconnect and do this whenever we’re in the same state. It’s a comfortable habit that gives me such security about our friendship.
10. (I must have a food one on here since this is your blog!) My amazing breakfast. I eat plain yogurt with flax, one cup of berries, and some sort of cereal on top (or grain on the side, like a whole wheat english muffin) and the previously mentioned love, coffee. I love to read and write in my journal over this delicious breakfast in a sunny nook in my kitchen. It gets my day going so well…it is heaven.
This was the world’s longest comment. It put me in such a good mood though…
girlinseattle
June 30, 2008 at 3:42 am1) Chocolate.
2) A great evening that just happens with a wonderful conversation.
3) Butterflies about a new guy.
4) Massages, and any spa time!
5) Lifting weights and feeling strong.
6) Family time done with sincerity.
7) Those gorgeous sunny days where it all just seems to be going your way.
8) Cuddling.
9) Spending time with dogs.
10) Sitting on my balcony.
– A
AshleyH
June 30, 2008 at 3:51 am1. going out to eat with my mom
2. “walking” days with my family
3. elephants
4. new pans/kitchen stuff
5. my new apartment
6. doing things for the first time with my boyfriend
7. J.Crew
8. when the kids I work with do something unexpected
9.Tickling my boyfriend
10. baking/cooking something that makes everyone smile
AshleyH
June 30, 2008 at 3:58 amI also wanted to add Jenna that I can totally understand how you feel because I have been vegetarian on and off for a year or two. I dont really like the taste of meat and I especially dont condone the way they treat the animals!! grrrr but sometimes my body just craves my dads burgers or a ham sandwich. Just do what your body feels is right! I think the most amazing quality to have (and you definitly have this) is the ablitity to listen and care for your body becuase it will thank you.
You are always an inspiration to me because we are going through the same things and you always help me make the right choices. Thank you!
girlatastartup
June 30, 2008 at 4:37 amJenna,
Don’t feel bad. Your blog is so great to read everyday b/c you lack pretension and have a positive attitude. That’s why its refreshing and fun to read. PLUS…you have such a healthy diet overall, so don’t worry. 🙂
Nadia, Kimberly, and Lauren… I’m also a former NYU girl and LOVED Dojo for a quick lunch. Also, did you guys ever go to Yaffa cafe on St. Marks? I used to frequent that place on a regular basis b/c of their huge delicious salad with their carrot dressing.
Healthy Californian
June 30, 2008 at 10:08 amDon’t worry about the prosciutto (sp)! I was a vegetarian for four years. I started when I was in high school and after reading an excerpt from an Upton Sinclair book decided to just quit meat, cold turkey! And right before Thanksgiving too! Being a vegetarian is difficult. There were times when I really wanted some meat. While I never actually ate it, I was usually tempted to do so. It took me about two years before I was completely happy as a vegetarian and no longer wanted to try various meat dishes. I ended up going back to meat when I realized that my college cafeteria didn’t have enough vegetarian options. At that point it was just healthier to eat meat for the iron. Now that I’m in my own apartment, I’m beginning to wean myself off of meat again.
Slip-ups happen and will continue to happen for awhile. Don’t worry about it! You’re human! 😉
Littleblackdress
June 30, 2008 at 6:52 pmJenna, DO NOT feel bad about eating prosciutto! It is delicious. I am similar to you and other people in this community in that every now and then I will eat meat- either because I don’t want to make others uncomfortable (family, business) or just because I want it! I hope you enjoyed it.
Love this idea about 10 things:
1. Cuddling with my boyfriend
2. Talking with my mom about anything
3. My shih-tzu Petey!
4. Cooking for family and friends and seeing them enjoy it!
5. Waking up feeling hungry for breakfast
6. Carbohydrates
7. This blogging community
8. A night out with the girls
9. Really good red wine
10. Traveling- esp. Europe, but anywhere!
Jack
June 30, 2008 at 8:30 pmI am shocked, appalled, and flabbergasted!
Well, no not really. You totally explained your stance on vegetarianism when we first met. I just haven’t had the chance to use those words in awhile.
I wanted to hop on this one. 10:
1. Coffee and baguette breakfast at a cafe in Paris
2. Also from Paris, a good beer and escargot for lunch
3. A steaming cup of tea on a rainy day
4. Movies that I have seen a million times that I can always watch again
5. Good friends
6. Beautiful women (I’m not gonna lie)
7. The experience of fine dining: not just the amazing food, but the spectacle of it.
8. Being able to translate the ideas in my head into other media (ie: cakes, sugar, etc.).
9. Did I mention fine dining?
10. Deep-fried pickles. mmm. (and more generally, being able to fulfill cravings when they strike.