I made a quick dinner because I have to get to work. Nothing fancy—just some jazzed up Annie’s mac & cheese. I had some roasted butternut squash left over from the other night so I used that, along with about a cup of broccoli/cauliflower mix to go into my pasta. I’ve actually made this recipe before and put it up in the recipes section a while back, so find it there! Tonight I used 1.5 cups mac & cheese as to fill myself up before work, but found myself not being able to finish my entire dinner(probably left about 10% of it on my plate). I just haven’t been very hungry today…I’m sure it is partly because I stuffed myself like a chicken last night at dinner but today has also been incredibly stressful for matters of it’s own. Hopefully tomorrow will be better.
I did go to the gym, which helped, this afternoon. I did the elliptical machine for 25 minutes then stretched for awhile. I don’t see the need to kill myself doing cardio–especially on days when I know I have to be running on my feet for five hours at night at work! ugh! After I worked out I had a carnation instant breakfast packet (vanilla, no sugar added) with a glass of milk. Usually I wouldn’t drink these because they do have some artificial ingredients in it but I have a few in my pantry that I bought months ago and I’m trying to eat everything before I spend MORE money on groceries! Plus, I was just craving it for some odd reason. I wanted something creamy and cold. It was good.
I’m going to take some graham crackers to work with me tonight. I wish I had my chocolate trail mix but I’m all out!
Sorry if I’m not my “bubbly” self right now! It’s been sort of a rough afternoon and I’m ready for a vacation! haha! Aren’t we all?!
This was about 509 calories but I didn’t finish it all…(left some broccoli!)
about 150 calories. This glass is from anthroplogie! ( i knew the question was coming!) I have an entire set of them—they come in a range of desserts with recipes on the back. They make me happy 🙂
Marsha
January 30, 2008 at 10:34 pmI love to have breakfast for dinner some nights, such as waffles. However, waffles are carb heavy and little protein. While a lot of carbs in the morning hold me over, any recommendations of what to eat with waffles? I would rather not have eggs, since I typically make frittatas when I cook those. Thanks!
Also, what type of Annie’s do you buy and how much of the box do you use?
Laura
January 30, 2008 at 10:39 pmMandy thanks so much for your exercise input yesterday. randomly I saw the turbo jam infomercial today. It looks like tea-bo, which I wasn’t that big of a fan of. Which video of the 5 do you recommend? Also, do you feel it tones you or is mostly cardio? Thanks again!
katie #2
January 30, 2008 at 10:40 pmSo sorry to hear you aren’t having a good day, Jenna. You bring so much pleasure to us, so it’s a bummer that you aren’t receiving positive pay-back. Most importantly, I hope it’s nothing serious, but rather is just “one of those days.” Take it easy this evening! Thanks for everything you do!
Susan
January 30, 2008 at 10:57 pmHope you feel better tomorrow! We all appreciate your hard work 🙂
mags
January 30, 2008 at 11:00 pmhope you’re feeling better jenna! let us know if there is anything we can do to brighten up your day like you brighten up ours!
Lynn
January 30, 2008 at 11:04 pmtomorrow is a new day!!! You will feel Great! Love you Jennifer!!!
mags
January 30, 2008 at 11:04 pmto jen from this afternoon…
just wondering, if you don’t mind sharing, do you know what exactly qualifies as an exercise addiction. i recently got really into running and now literally feel like i HAVE to do it everyday. what were your symptoms?
Ashley
January 30, 2008 at 11:07 pmYay Antropologie!! I love that store! I just got one of their aprons for xams and I cant wait to get more they have so many pretty home and kitchen things!! I love their clothes too but it’s a pretty expensive. fun to look though.
I hope you feel better Jenna!
Amanda
January 31, 2008 at 12:02 amHi everyone,
Thanks for your responses in the previous entry. I have tried to find a therapist that I like under my insurance plan. A couple of hindrances: my insurance sucks, and it’s hard to find a good fit. I’m trying, though. I’ve been working on self-help resources in the meantime. It’s such a hard thing to eat more and to watch my body change, though, especially when it’s coupled with the fear that my fiance may no longer find me attractive! If anyone would like to chat privately via email, mine is timeofbutterflies@yahoo
Regarding Jenna’s dinner, it looks yum. I have heard so much about this Annie’s Mac and Cheese — I wish I could find it in my grocery stores. 🙁 🙁 🙁 I may have to resort to a healthy recipe — anyone have any?
linds
January 31, 2008 at 12:17 amHope that tomorrow goes better for you Jenna!
I just noticed Laura’s post here referring back to an earlier discussion…and all the talk about yoga around here reminded me about a yoga/pilates dvd that I haven’t used in forever, well I did today and glad about it because I forgot how good it was! It’s with the Crunch fitness series, and called “super slimdown pilates yoga blend” with ellen barrett. It’s great for beginners (definitely me there) and is a great core workout. Anyone else have pilates or yoga dvd’s they would reccommend?? So good for when it’s -40C outside and you just know you aren’t walking to the gym anytime soon….. 🙂
Jen
January 31, 2008 at 12:56 amMags,
I don’t necessarily feel its a positive thing to tell you what I used to do for exercise because I never encourage comparisons or numbers when people are struggling with food or exercise. But I definitely did too much, to the point where I was thinking about what I burned or what I did all day long…and couldn’t focus unless I went to the gym. My life basically revolved around it and I was pounding myself into the ground.
After treatment and therapy and forcing myself to cut all physical exercise out for a few months altogether, I gradually introduced things back in. I still go to the gym now, about 6 days a week, but only for 45 minutes to a hour, and I lift weights too and vary my routine. I can take days off and realize that its not going to kill me because everything balances out. 🙂
It took a long time to get over, and it can still be my first instinct when I’m stressed about something. I’d love to talk more if you want to!
Moni
January 31, 2008 at 1:10 amJenna and everyone,
What are your favorite brands of bread?? I am trying different brands right now but would like some recommendations! Thanks in advance.
linds
January 31, 2008 at 1:18 amI just tried the Ezekiel sesame bread and I absolutely love it!
VeggieGirl
January 31, 2008 at 1:53 amJenna, I understand how you feel completely – my schedule/schoolwork today basically bit me in the ass (to put it bluntly, haha), and I’m feeling rather glum. Bring on the weekend already!!
Oh my goodness gracious, that glass from Anthropologie is TOO FUN!! love it!! and that store :0)
Kelly
January 31, 2008 at 2:22 amHi Jenna! I’m sorry to hear your day isn’t going so great. Everyone has those days- it will get better. I’m also sure it’s hard to leave your boyfriend and go back to Orlando. I did the long distance thing for sevearl years before I married my husband and it’s hard. Not sure if this is why you aren’t your chipper self today but just in case, I thought I’d say that. Cheer up Charlie (from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory…I’m a nerd)
Kara
January 31, 2008 at 2:31 amHope tomorrow is better! Thanks for keeping up the blog (I don’t know if I’d have the same resolve!)
ashes
January 31, 2008 at 2:48 ami have a general question – i started getting really bad eating habits in college. and now im eating really un-healthily. how did yall start eating better. did you just decide one day that you were going to try to make healthy decisions and then tried to stick with it? any advice? i feel like its just so hard to get started and the 1st few days with cravings etc..
Chandra
January 31, 2008 at 2:52 amLaura – I saw your comment and I just HAD to respond… Turbo Jam, in my opinion, is NOTHING like Tae Bo! I was not a fan of Tae Bo either, but I am in LOVE with Turbo Jam! I own all of the dvd’s except the ball ones, and I’ve recently been loaning the dvds out to friends (who have also fallen in love with them) and taking the live class, Turbo Kick. The music is great, the moves are athletic, yet dancy at the same time, and Chalene, the creator/video instructor is full of energy and very motivating. This is funny because I actually did one of the videos tonight and wrote in my blog about how much I love them! 🙂 If you live in the Des Moines area I’ll let you borrow mine! lol
There are videos that are mainly cardio, (but you still get some sculpting from punching and kicking) and there are also a few videos that are mainly sculpting. For example I think in the starter package there is the Learn & Burn, 20 Minute Work Out, and Cardio Party 1 – which are all cardio mainly and then there is Ab Jam (which works just abs) and Turbo Sculpt which works with weights for all the major muscle groups. Then the other packages they offer have the same sort of thing, both cardio and sculpting videos.
I would definitely say buy the starting package (the 5 video package). If anything, if you don’t like them, put them on eBay – they are a hot commodity on there. 🙂
Sorry for the long comment… can you tell I love Turbo Jam? 🙂
Jenna – Sorry to hear you were a bit down today, but we all have those days! We can’t be bubbly and happy ALL the time, it’s just not natural! 🙂
Sarah
January 31, 2008 at 3:32 amashes, its hard to eat well in college, but take it one step at a time. If you have a meal plan, try sticking to the salad bar/soups/sandwich stations. If you cook at home, go for low fat options of dairy, try and cut out processed foods, eat more fruits and veggies, etc. Try to introduce one new healty habbit a week while cutting out an unhealthy one (this includes getting enough sleep, exercising, etc) Make gradual changes and you’ll notice long term effects (more energy, better mood, more focus, and hotter bod!)
jess
January 31, 2008 at 4:12 amJenna! You are fabulous, don’t forget that. In reference to the feeling down thing, it must be something in the air. Like veggiegirl, I am definately getting my butt kicked adjusting to my new schedule/the weather/everything and sometimes it makes little things feel like SUCH a big deal (i.e. me burning my toast was DEF the End of the World, haha). I hope that it helps you to know how inspired all of us readers are by you. As yet another who is in the ‘took seemingly healthy too far and am now struggling with the resolve/ability to gain it back’ group (and sorry I just labeled all of us like that, lol, it seemed pretty all encompasing), your attitude, book reccomendations, and Recipes (!!!) have helped me more than you would know. Chin up!
-jess
Katherine
January 31, 2008 at 4:21 amJenna, like everyone else hope you feel better- everyone has bad days, but think of this way, how many people have a blog of people wishing them well!!
Whenever you get a chance I have two questions, but don’t worry, I can wait for an answer whenever you are feeling better. How do you feel about this nutella. I love it, but is it not the type of product to eat daily instead of pb-i’m not sure of its fat content, and protein content? You said you lived in france I know they love the product, would they eat- it for meals?
Also, you suggested that I try to remember to sit up more straight. It is so hard, especially since I study on my bed. How do you remember posture when you were in college. Are there any specific gym exercises. I am so afraid of looking like my grandma, but its so hard to remember, I always find myself slumped again. That’s why I was wondering about specific exercises. Thanks for all that you do and your positive attitude 🙂
Ashley
January 31, 2008 at 4:56 amamanda-
I couldnt find anne’s mac and cheese in my grocery store either but then I found it at Target!! can you believe that? They also have it at whole food stores. Hope you can check out your local target and find it. If you can’t find it Ellie Kreiger, the nutritionist on Food Network, has an awesome healthy mac and cheese!
Andrea
January 31, 2008 at 4:56 amHey Jenna
I hope you have a better day Thursday… it’s almost the weekend!!! Your blog is my favorite out there and you have helped me so much with becoming healthier around food. It’s not easy these days for women and I think you are a fabulous role model.
xoxo
Andrea
Danielle
January 31, 2008 at 5:21 amJenna,
I’m sorry that your day has been anything but great. It happens but I do hope that you are getting a good night’s sleep and wake up to a much better Thursday! Btw, don’t know if this will perk you up but… I bought a salmon pack and am going to make salmon salad with it in the next few days 🙂 I’m sending over some of my super excitedness right now, can you feel it?! Thank you for always making me step outside my culinary comfort zone!
Alicia
January 31, 2008 at 6:00 amHi Jenna,
SMILE:) I do hope that you will feel better soon. We all get days when we feel down so don’t waste too much time pondering about it. Just surrender it to God and he will take care of everything.
Lisa
January 31, 2008 at 6:07 amHi Jenna,
I’ve been reading a few blogs (including yours) daily and have become addicted. I’ve never commented and always felt like a silent observer. When I saw that you weren’t having a good day I got kinda bummed. Then it hit me…”wow, I just reacted to her bad day the way I would a friends’ bad day”. So basically, you’re great. I agree with your other more outspoken readers about everything that this blog gives and how it is a positive thing to look forward to everyday. I just thought I’d finally speak up and tell you how cool you are. Tomorrow will be better. And if it’s not, we’re all rooting for you.
jenna
January 31, 2008 at 1:09 pmKatherine,
Oh, how I love nutella 🙂 In Europe nutella is mainly a breakfast and dessert food because its so sweet. Mothers will send their kids to school with toast and nutella and have nutella on crepes for dessert at night. Now, this isnt the most “nutritional” thing…but it sure tastes good and there are worse things to eat. Nutella is a mix of chocolate and hazelnuts therefore it is high fat and calorie and does supply a ton of sugar. But, since the fat in it also comes from nuts, which is a good fat, I think eating a tbsp of nutella on graham crackers or something would be a better option than, say, eating a milky way candy bar. Just keep it in moderation. I wouldnt make nutella a food you eat every single day or eat at your normal meals…save it for a special occasion and keep the spoon in check!
ps- in college my roommate and i were OBSESSED with nutella. She would buy huge quantities of it and we would sit and watch movies with the jar between us, spreading it on graham crackers. its addicting! At gelato places you can also find nutella flavored gelato which is a hUge treat and SOOOOO good! we would keep large quantities of that in our freezer as well 🙂
jenna
January 31, 2008 at 1:10 pmOh, and I’m really not sure on particular exercises you can do at the gym for posture…you may want to speak to a personal trainer on that!! they can surely help you more!
Liz
January 31, 2008 at 3:25 pmOh my gosh Nutella! I wish it wasn’t so expensive, but it’s a nice treat. I like heating it in the microwave and pouring it over ice-cream!
Sarah C
January 31, 2008 at 9:43 pmKatherine,
I like to study in my bed too…my mom bought me this desk thingy (I can’t find a better word for it!) that goes over your lap kind of like a breakfast in bed tray. It has a little flap that pops up to lean papers/books on. I think she got it a bed bath and beyond, I can try and find out for you!
As for exercises, you need to focus on your latissimus dorsi, rear delts, chest, and lower back muscles to improve posture. Lat Pull Downs are good to do, just make sure you arch your back and squeeze your shoulder blades together when doing the lift. For rear delts, there is a machine at most gyms where you have your arms out parallel to the floor, starting in front of your body then pushing the weight back, causing you to again, squeeze your shoulder blades. For chest, a fly machine is great, or the bench press, or lay down on a bench and do presses or flies with free weights. Last, for lower back, try doing supermans on the floor (lay on your stomach with arms and legs extended and lift from your lower back–almost like a reverse crunch) or there it a thing that you stand on that supports your lower body and you basically bend down and lift your upper body (you can also do this with a weight to make it harder).
I’m sorry if everything that I said just confused the heck out of you, I tried to explain the exercises in words and realized just how hard that is to do. But there are lots of websites that have exercises and machines explained with pictures. Just do a google search for “posture exercises” or “lower back strengthening” etc…
Sarah C
January 31, 2008 at 9:46 pmOh and ps…out of everything I ate on my trip (including fancy resturants) a banana nutella crepe from a street vendor was the BEST meal I had in Paris…(ok so I may be exaggerating, but it was soooo good!)