Tags
almond milk, Amy's, gnu, holistic, Nature's Path, nutritionist, osteopenia, osteoporosis, rice milk, risk, running injury, sex and the city, starbucks, stress, stress fracture, the hills, Whole Foods
Good evening! What a DAY it is has been! But, a good day! Thank you for your support and prayers… they apparently worked because my first visit to eh nutritionist was AMAZING! I’m not quite sure where to start..
First, I LOVE my nutritionist. She’s absolutely PERFECT for me. She’s not just your average everyday dietician, she also has a holistic approach and focuses on all areas of your health. In other words, she’s not a nutritionist who’s just going to say eat “x” amount of fruits, veggies, etc. and take this calcium supplement… she focuses on ALL things. But she’s not only a dietician, she does research and works with other companies and their products. And personally, she’s a vegetarian. Well, I guess a pescetarian because she eats fish. She is VERY up to date on the developments in nutrition and she’s pretty much a blogger’s dream… she’s very into chia seeds, massaged kale salad, and Vita-Top/yogurt parfaits. I kid you not. So it was really great that I could relate to her and she to what I ate. She LOVES to cook and talk about recipes, I got TONS of recipe ideas from our small session. She also gave me an entire bottle of Maple Agave Nectar, chia seeds, a product that is like Amazing Grass, and a homemade granola bar. Score!!!
As far as the Osteopenia goes, she’s going to do everything that she can to help me. I’m going to be getting blood work done to rule out things like celiac disease (oh please.. please no) and get my current Vitamin D, Vitamin K, etc. levels. Today was more of a consultation and we went over my food diary and other paperwork. I’m going to be going back after getting the blood work and then she’s going to give me a more concrete idea of what I should be eating from there, beyond what she told me today. She said that I had a VERY well balanced diet, one of the best she’d seen in years! And even though I can’t exercise, I won’t be gaining any weight eating like this.. which puts my mind a bit at ease. She gave me recommendations like..
- switching from cow’s milk to hemp/almond milk, as long as it still has calcium
- trying out new products like rice milk cheese, avocado oil
- including a salad with both lunch and dinner to get in veggies AND volume
- making sure I eat healthy fats with each meal
- snacking, snacking, snacking to keep my metabolism up
- trying to wean myself off of heartburn medication, which can prevent the absorption of vitamins and minerals and lead to Osteoporosis
- take GOOD quality calcium and Vitamin D
- switching to a deodorant with no aluminum in it
Soo with all of those suggestions in mind, I stopped by Whole Foods on my way home.. hey, it was like 3 minutes from my nutritionist’s office… I couldn’t help myself. Anywho, I picked up some of the things she mentioned like Almond Milk (I’m slightly scared of it?), some pepper jack rice-milk cheese, red chard (how do I cook this?), and some awesome FRSESH spinach pasta!! How should I cook it?! I don’t have any clue what sauce to put with it that will make the pasta itself shine and not mask the flavor.
As far as the eating disorder goes, she was really understanding and supportive, like you all said she would be. She said that her own sister had an eating disorder so she has had personal experience with it. We talked about how it affects your mind and whatnot and how she doesn’t want to give me a SET diet to follow because it’s not good for me with a history of an ED. She also said something that I think is very true, once you have an eating disorder, it’s pretty much something that you will ALWAYS deal with. Now, you may get healthy and overcome it but it will always be a part of your life, in the back of your mind. Especially when you are super stressed, like I am now that I don’t have my usual stress-release (running). She suggested that I try meditation or another way to de-stress, which apparently will help me immensely. Which, I know that I DO stress too much. How do YOU de-stress?
Honestly, that’s just a touch of what happened. I spent an hour and a half with her and I learned SO much and it’s all just bouncing around my brain right now haha I’ll probably remember more random things in the coming days and I’ll share. And of course, I will share with you when I do go back to her and get a more detailed “plan.”
Before my appointment this morning, I had a bowl of Nature’s Path Blueberry Cinnamon cereal with 1/2 of a banana, blackberries, and 1% milk.
And then for lunch, I hit up the salad bar at Whole Foods. And ate in my car… don’t judge, I was HANGRY.
This huge bowl of goodness had romaine, cucumbers, tomatoes, carrot, mozzarella/basil/tomato salad, chickpea salad, tuna/cranberry salad, croutons, macadamia nuts, barbecue tofu, Asian style tofu (which was the BOMB), a spinach/orzo salad, roasted veggies, peas, corn, … of course, I only had a bite of each but over a bed of romaine, it was VERY filling.
I also had this Gnu bar before work to balance out the salad a bit.
Um, let’s just say that the bar PLUS the huge salad was a bit TOO much fiber if you get my drift…
So for dinner, I wanted something with the LEAST fiber. Thank goodness for rainy day freezer items!
This Amy’s veggie lasagna is the BEST frozen meal EVER. I don’t eat frozen meals very often but this… well it’s just amazing. I swear!
It’s not so pretty buuuut the incredible flavor makes up for that.
I also had some “garlic bread” on the side… a.k.a. a slice of wheat toast with a touch of butter and garlic powder.
And for dessert, a vegan chocolate chip cookie and 1/2 of a sugar cookie.
With some milk in my Starbucks mug. Er, make that HALF the milk as I spilt some…oops.
I’m a bit TOO full now after the cookies buuut yeah… my sweet tooth is INTENSE.
Anyone else watching the Hills tonight? It’s a guilty pleasure of mine, I admit. I’m almost ashamed to watch it because I feel like I am supporting Heidi and Spencer’s willingness to do ANYTHING to get attention by watching because let’s face it.. that’s WHY I’m watching. And then, more Sex and the City. I’m almost on Season 4! I am DETERMINED to see the entire series before SATC 2. Oh yes, I believe that I can do it. Don’t underestimate my amazing skill that is TV watching. I admit that I stayed up until almost 1 AM last night watching and texting someone. And this is a girl who’s usually in bed by 11. Yep… I’m living on the edge, what can I say 😉
Love,
Jess
Progress always involves risks. You can’t steal second base and keep your foot on first. ~Frederick B. Wilcox
"Loving can cost a lot but not loving always costs more, and those who fear to love often find that want of love is an emptiness that robs the joy from life."
– Merle Shan
kelsey@snackingsquirrel.com said:
YES YES YES! so glad uve got a keeper this time. and how awesome that she’s veg!!!! sounds like a perfect duo 🙂
healthyexposures said:
Sounds like you’ve got an awesome nutritionist. I knew it’d go well! She sounds perfect, and that is TOO cool that she hooked you up with all those goodies! that makes me want to go to school to become a nutritionist, a career path I’ve been entertaining lately. Can’t wait to hear more of your experiences.
I lol’d when I read about the gnu bar & the salad. Uh, yeah…I make sure I grab a Gnu bar on the days I DON’T have tons of veggies in my lunch like I often do! haha.
I also got a kick out of the Amy’s lasagna. I was expecting a really tall, like, 5-layer lasgna based on that pic…and was surprised to scroll down and see only like, two layers 😛 At least it tasted good, though – that’s all that mattahs 😉
I de-stress by just chillin’ with the fam, or horseback riding. Or, writing a list of what I need to do. I tend to over-think things, which freaks me out…but often, if I write everything down what I need to do, it seems much more do-able and not so ridiculously busy!
theprocessofhealing said:
That’s so exciting!! I think you would be a GREAT nutritionist!!
Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin said:
I’m so glad your visit to the nutritionist went well! It sounds like she really knows what she’s doing. 🙂 I’m so excited to complete my degree in nutrition and do what she does!
I find yoga or a walk in the sun always help me to de-stress. Or chilling out for a bit while watching an episode of my favourite tv show (which then turns into 2 episodes… and then 3… haha!).
Maggie @ Fit.Fun.Food said:
Girl, I love Sex in the City too! That show convinced me to break up with an old jerk of a boyfriend! Who’s your favorite character?
So glad your nutritionist visit was good! I know how you feel about having a plan. Even if it’s healthy, I can get obsessed with following a food plan exactly. Hope it goes well for you! Oh yeah, I think that pasta would be great with olive oil, chicken sausage and maybe some goat cheese!
theprocessofhealing said:
I swear, you can learn life lessons from SATC 😉
Amy @ Second City Randomness said:
He he he… watching it right now, actually. 😉
I’m glad the visit was a success! And I’m very excited about all the things she suggested you try… because that means I get to see new recipes and food from you!
jqlee said:
I didnt like my nutrtionist that much. She was the standard “eat x amount of calories, x servings of fruit/fat/carbs, etc.” Glad you found a keeper!!
At the WF bar, I do the same, a bite of EVERYTHING. I mean it’s all just sooo good. But by the end, I end up with this huge plate because I take a bit of everything so it adds up.
I had a made sweet tooth too. I LOVE coooookies!
I watched SATC series in like 5 days last year. Haha. My roomie had it all and it was just too good to stop! I can’t WAIT for the movie to come out on the 27th!
theprocessofhealing said:
5 days!!! Wow girl! I can understand it though.. its so addicting!
eatmovelove said:
I love that Amy’s lasagna…not big enough thoug 😉 You seem excited about your appt – good for you – I just caution you to follow your heart though…really following something someone else told you to or eating stuff that you think your supposed to have…well, it’s just another form of ED…people who are LIVING life and doing stuff aren’t worrying about what they “should” eat for dinner or grabbing cookies…
I really should start watching the SATC series…I just want to see the movie LOL.
…and thanks for the comment on the blog…but if only it were that easy to be okay..
Claire said:
Almond milk to totally amazing!!!! you have to try the silk brand, which is so rich and creamy! Don’t be afraid 😉
Anna said:
Yay!!! So glad that you love your nutritionist! My favorite almond milk is almond breeze– I’m obsessed with it!
Chard– I like to tear it into bite-sized pieces and saute in a hot pan with about a tablespoon of olive oil, and then top with a drizzle of agave nectar…mmmmmmm. It’s also great in soups!
Ameena said:
I’m so glad you and your nutritionist are a good fit! I am sure she will help you!!
Can you believe I have never tried anything from Amy except her soups? I wasn’t too crazy about those but I may need to give her lasagna a shot because yours looks delicious.
Almond milk is SO good. I like Vanilla Almond Breeze.
theprocessofhealing said:
Oh girl, her soups are OK but her frozen dinners and pizzas are amazing!
Can You Stay for Dinner said:
Jess, I just read through all of your old posts. I’m sorry, I had been so behind with the move and all that jazz. I want you to know that I’m so proud of you for being so courageous and strong in accepting your circumstances ( I imagine finding out about the osteopoenia was really really hard) and moving so bravely forward with your goals. Just when I think you’ve learned all you can learn and grown all that you can grow, you stun me again. You’re simply so wonderful and I love your honesty. I am sooo happy that you love your nutritionist. Nothing is more important than being comfortable and connected to someone who is trying to give you advice/help in living yourbest life. I’m behind you 100%.
On a much lighter note- that Reese’s cake is TO DIE FOR. I’m still reeling from the pictures. Oh my god, get me a slice or four of that deliciousness!!!!
theprocessofhealing said:
Awwww girl thank you!!!! Your comments are always so super sweet! I can’t tell you how much your encouragement means to me!
Jolene (www.everydayfoodie.ca) said:
I love that you are watching all the SATC!!!!!!! My fave!!!!!!
I watch the Hills too … sad but true.
Health food stores sell crystal deodorants that you wet, and then use … and they work AMAZINGLY well!!! No aluminum, and they last for years.
Melissa S. said:
I’m so glad to hear the nutritionist appointment went so well! it’s great to hear how well the two of you are going to get along! and have you ever tried walnut oil? evan at food makes fuel fun has tried it and likes it a lot. thought it might be something to try! can’t get enough omega-3’s!
and love the wf finds! fresh spinach pasta? i’ve heard fresh pasta is best not cooked very long and with olive oil/dressings…i don’t know where i read that. haha.
theprocessofhealing said:
I haven’t tried walnut oil but it sounds good! And thank you for the tips on the pasta!
theemptynutjar said:
just try not to get too caught up in it
trust me, following a plan or one persons notions can be tricky! everyone has so much belief in their own thing…and it can be another source of rigidity and fear
just be careful and dont be hard on yourself…me, i just ate about a bag of choco chips before bed…didnt need them either…but thats life i guess
Courtney (Pancakes & Postcards) said:
Glad to hear your appointment went well! I became really interested in food after I moved to Africa, so even though I am trying my best out here, my nutrition sucks. I really want to do this when I get back to the States to figure out a lifestyle that will work for me and make me healthier.
pamplemousse21 said:
So pleased the nutritionist went well, that must be such a relief! I reeeealy hope my one has a similar outlook and isn’t preachy!
My ultimate stress relief is a warm bath, candles and a good book, or sometimes no book, just eyes closed and audiobook/music. Always works a treat 😉 Or baking actually. Usually bread, becuase the kneading by hand is like boxing!!
So pleased for you!
debs x
Steph (@ mediterraneanmiss) said:
“With some milk in my Starbucks mug. Er, make that HALF the milk as I spilt some…oops.”
hahahahahaha omg I love you, seriously. That’s hilarious.
Congratulations on your nutritionist, girl! She sounds like a dream. I’m looking to find one here in Toronto but I’m struggling to find somebody who is into the same nutritional ideals as I am.. I don’t need somebody to tell me to drink six glasses of milk a day, I want somebody who’ll appreciate overnight oats with chia seeds and almond milk! Ps- don’t shy away from almond milk, it’s the bomb.
Love you!
Kelly said:
So happy that everything went well with your nutritionist!! I can’t wait to see what kind of fun recipes pop up over here now. Also that’s very exciting news that you shared with me on Twitter last night! It’s about time, you deserve it!
theprocessofhealing said:
Aw, thank you girl!
gateauxbellehelene said:
Yay I’m so happy that the nutritionist is perfect for you. She seems great. I love all her suggestions but some of her suggested foods do sound scary! I love her suggestion of finding a new way to de-stress. I know you can’t exercise but recently I’ve found that running / gyming really helps. Also, cooking the evening meal really helps me unwind. Do you know what sort of thing you are going to try??
Also I hope the certain someone you were texting was a boy…….!!
theprocessofhealing said:
Haha yeeees it was!
Gabriela @ Une Vie Saine said:
I am SO thrilled to hear how well your nutritionist appointment went!! Sounds like you really found a kindred spirit to help guide you through this. Her suggestions sound awesome- I love that she’s willing to work with you to create something YOU’RE comfortable with, and looking at other aspects of your health besides just nutrition. As you know, I’m quite the almond milk fan…my mom tried some the other day and said it tasted kind of like bitter, watered-down raw almonds, but I love it! I think it’s an acquired taste, because I can just drink it straight at this point. And as for the pasta, what about with some baked tofu and a simple tomato basil sauce? Nothing too overpowering, so the spinach will really shine 🙂
Exercise is my stress relief too, but another thing that REALLY helps me is my pets. I don’t know if you have any, but for me there’s nothing more calming than sitting on the couch cuddling with one of my kitties. They really do provide unconditional love, and always remind me to slow down and take it easy…they just sleep and eat all day!
Congrats again on the awesome appointment girl!! Have a great hump day, love you!
theprocessofhealing said:
Oh yes, my pets do help me! I have 2 cats and a dog and I LOVE them.
Tracey @ I'm Not Superhuman said:
So happy your appointment went well! I take vitamin D, too. I’m sure she told you this, but just in case she didn’t I thought I’d share what I learned: you need to buy vitamin D3–it’s the kind used in all of the studies that show health benefits of vitamin D. And a new study just came out a few days ago that you should take vitamin D with your biggest meal for best absorption. It increases absorption by about 56 percent!
She sounds really cool!
theprocessofhealing said:
Oh wow, thanks for the tip!
britchickruns said:
Wow! That lady sounds awesome, I’m so happy for you!!! Why did she say to use hemp/almond, and not cow’s milk? (fyi – almond milk is lovely! Rice milk – NOOOO!)
You’re so lucky to have found someone so understanind – my nutritionist that I saw when I was in treatment was all ‘calories in v calories out’ – v black and white. ie, if I’d eaten loads of crap – she’d have been happy if it meant weight! It kinda put me off nutritionists..but since reading this, I want to go and see one again!
Awh seriously, I’m so happy it went well 🙂 xxxx
theprocessofhealing said:
Hmmm.. I think she did explain but I can’t remember. She did say that it may be easier on the stomach. But I’m beginning to suspect that dairy may be at the route of my skin issues so I’m thinking it can’t hurt!
Tina said:
I’m SO happy to hear your appointment with your nutritionist went well. She sounds great. I love how she adapts things to your history and is more focused on specific things you can do to help out. Awesome! I know that is a big relief to you. Have a great day!
Brandi said:
I’m so glad it went well!!! 🙂 That’s great to hear.
therabbitrunner said:
wow she sounds like one cool lady!! seriously – vitatops & chia seeds. She is on her a game haha. I want to be just like her! glad to hear it went well for you 🙂
britchickruns said:
OH! I accidently wrote this on my comments section 😛 so I’ll copy and paste:
Uh YES! Tell me what happened at the restaurant!! I’m guessing it’s maybe boy related did the cute boy from the holiday come and sweep you up!?? That would be what dreams are made of but seriously, please ramble away!
And thankyou for your lovely comment xxx
Megan @ The Oatmeal Diaries said:
Your nutritionist sounds awesome. And I’m glad I found another Hills fan!! I always feel lame saying I watch that but seriously it’s like a trainwreck, I can’t turn away. That choco chip cookie looks soo yummy!
Liz said:
So happy it went well! I would start with sweetened vanilla almond milk (from almond breeze). It is SO good. I drink unsweetened but if you are scared about the taste sweetened has the same calories as milk so there is no reason not to try that one for your first time.
For the spinach pasta – maybe just toss it with some olive oil (then you will get your healthy fat she recommended), some s&p, and some shredded parm. I think that would be delish!
I’ve definitely struggled with de-stressing without running. I did a week of yoga (because a one-week/first student discount) and that helped A LOT but is too expensive for me to continue right now. I think blogging always helps with stress and reading a really good book.
theprocessofhealing said:
Thank you for the suggestion, that sounds GREAT!
Jenny said:
Oh, honey, I am SO proud of you! I have seen a ton of nutritionists and I know how important it is to find one we REALLY connect with!! It sounds like y’all made some major progress and she gave you some GREAT tips!!! Keep on keepin’ on, girlfriend — you’re doing awesome! Love!!!! xoxo
peanutbutterfingers said:
i’m so glad your appt. went so well. she sounds like the perfect fit for you & i like her suggestions. just out of curiosity did she say what “bad quality” calcium/vitamin D options are out there? i just want to make sure my viactiv is a good one! 🙂
theprocessofhealing said:
She actually didn’t say! I’m thinking just more of the ones that are cheaper and the generic brands. She is supposed to be looking into some prices of some good ones for me and I’ll let you know what they are!
Amanda @ . seek . said:
Girl, your nutritionist sounds AMAZING; I love how she takes a holistic approach. It’s not that easy, these days, to find a nutritionist/dietician who doesn’t follow the mainstream diet trends and ends up telling you to eat whatever as long as you eat enough… that’s pretty much why I avoided going to a nutritionist to help me in my recovery, but if I could find one like you have, I’d definitely be interested. I’m so glad you found her to help you in your healing process 🙂
As for ways to de-stress without exercising, I always do some gentle stretching, journaling, reading, baking, warm bath taking, or deep breathing to get myself to calm down. When my mind begins to race with too many thoughts and worries, I take a moment to slow down, focus on the present, and remind myself that things aren’t as bad as I’m making them out to be. It usually helps 🙂
theprocessofhealing said:
I do the same thing.. my mind makes things MUCH worse than they actually are!
Rachael said:
Finding a nutritionist that truly hears you is amazing – I think it puts recovery into a real-life path that you can incorporate into your lifestyle…not just a temporary meal plan kind of deal until you’re “well”.
As for the spinach pasta – fresh pasta cooks in only a few minutes. I would cook it up, then toss it with olive oil, a splash of fresh lemon, and, if you have any fresh herbs on hand (basil, parsley, rosemary, thyme, what-have-you) chop ’em up into fine ribbons and fold into the pasta. Another option would be a pesto…
theprocessofhealing said:
That sounds great, thank you!
solskinn88 said:
Haha, I usually go to bed at around 11 too, curling up with my book or a crossword. Hahaha, oh no, reading this made me feel like a kid, or a old lady, hahaha. Oh well, whatever, I’m cool like that 8)
I am so glad that your appointment went well, what a relief, or what? 🙂 She seemed like a brilliant person, and it is great that she has some knowledge of eating disorders as well. It is true as she said, I do not believe that one can ever erase the traces of your eating disorder entirely. They are memories that will be a part of you, but that does not mean that it will control you for the rest of your life. One has to deal with it, and that is what recovery is all about. I remember one therapist saying that it would “completely disappear”, but I do not support this statement. Yes, I will become healthy and live again, but no, I do not believe it will completely disappear, it will always be a memory.
I try to meditate whenever I get stressed, or read texts from Buddhism. It helps me a lot, and has been very important the last week which has been extra tense and stressful. It is one cruel aspect of eating disorders that they attack you when you are vulnerable.
Sending you a big, warm hug Jessica ^^
theprocessofhealing said:
I completely agree!! You can move on but it will always be a part of you. But at least you eventually learn how to control it much better!
highonhealthy said:
Your nutritionist sounds amazing!! I want one. 😀
Almond milk is really good and I hope you like it! My favorite kinds are the unsweetened chocolate or vanilla by Almond Breeze. 20% calcium? Yes please!
Lauren @ BIOCHEMISTA said:
Hi Love!!!! 🙂
So glad your nutritionist appt went well! I wish I had one!
One thing to consider off the top of my head..Vitamins A,D,E,K are fat soluble vitamins so if you are taking a multivitamin to get these make sure you’re taking it with a fat source or they will go right down the toilet 😉
My favorite ways to destress are:
1) Yoga
2) Running
3) Trash mags + tea time (haha I literally call it this)
4) Red wine + dark choc
5) Hot shower
6) Bubble bath w/ candles
7) Phone chat with a close friend
8) Phone chat with Mom
9) Watching old-school TV re-runs (90210, Full House, Step by Step, Boy Meets World, Family Matters, Saved by the Bell)
Have a good night ma dear!!! XOXOX
Lauren @ BIOCHEMISTA said:
Haha I like that the computer assumed my number 8 was 8)
theprocessofhealing said:
Thank you for the tips girl!!!!
lisaou11 said:
I am SO glad your nutritionist is so wonderful, esp with how nervous you were about it. Such a great start to getting 100 percent healed!
whatd you think of The Hills last night? Spencer is CRAZY and Heidi must be insane as well for following along.
theprocessofhealing said:
Oh my gosh… he is INSANE. I swear. I can’t decide if him and Heidi are faking just to get attention or if they are REALLY nuts..
Heather said:
wow, that’s a TON of info! sounds like she really is a perfect match for you though 🙂 that’s awesome news!
Kelly said:
AWESOME!!! I am so glad you had a successful experience with your nutritionist! See…we’re not so scary! haha!
runnerforever said:
I have heard about deodorant having aluminum and been thinking about switching, I think I will have to now! I am sooo glad that you found a nutritionist that is such a perfect fit!
Katherine: What About Summer? said:
so glad to hear about a success at the nutritionist. I get so agile towards them because mine was a jerk to me and made crazy suggestions. anyways, she had a very different view than I did. I like to hear that you can work together with your doctor
Mae said:
Your nutritionist sounds awesome! This is great advice. I’m so glad I’m done with ((many)) of my exams so I can get back to telling you how much I ejoy reading your blog. 😀