Lesson of the Day: stay strong.
After being a very tired girl last night, I quickly realized that night-time workouts are not going to work for me! I had zero motivation for even the gentlest of gentle yoga. And lifting a dumbell? Puh-lease! I just wanted to lounge after a hectic day. So this morning I scheduled in a 20-minute strength training session for myself, and woke up a little early so that I could fit it in.
I also fit in a superb and very filling breakfast.
- scrambled tex-mex eggs (1 whole egg, 1 egg white, 1/4 chopped green bell pepper, a bit of salsa)
- 2 whole wheat toasts with a pat of butter
- 1 juicy orange
+ 6-oz. plain yogurt with 2 T. flax and 2 T. pumpkin flax granola.
Just as I intended, this breakfast kept me full until the late morning hours. 
After breakfast and a quickie arm/ab workout, I was out the door for a busy day of classes. Which is when my life lesson of the day comes into play.
Life Lesson: stay strong.
I absolutely love, love, love chatting one-on-one with people about nutrition. Ask me a question about vitamin A or the benefits of a morning meal and I’m the most excited person imagineable. However, make me stand in front of a classroom in front of fellow classmates and give a presentation? Not so much. And–I kid you not–every single class this semester requires this of me. One is an individual 30-minute presentation on the topic of my choice. Others are 1-minute on the spot questions which I can’t prepare for (horror, horror!) And others are with a group, which isn’t quite as intimidating, but still is at the same time.
I decided today, however, that I can choose to cower or feel overwhelmed with the pressure of wanting to do well. Or, I can take this as an opportunity to grow. Just as we have to regularly exercise and eat right in order to stay physically fit, I think it’s a good thing to s-t-r-e-t-c-h ourselves mentally as well. It makes us grow stronger. Today came as a gentle reminder that I have the capability and option of choosing to stay strong and face my fears. It’s all in the attitude!
What are some situations in which you were forced to face your fears and how did you deal with them?
Today’s packed snack included a cortland apple, 2-oz. mixed nuts and some carrot sticks. I ate this during my ride, since it had already been 3 hours since breakfast anyhow. I crunched to my heart’s content without a concern of being too noisy in the classroom. 
And my packed lunch involved the use of leftovers.
- brown rice (about a cup)
- 1/2 c. garbanzo and black beans
- roasted turnips (about a cup)
- diced tomatoes
- basil
This was nice and quiet (and clean!!) which made it a good classroom-styled lunch. I just wish I would have added some olive oil to the mix. Next time!
Along with a Banana Manna bar and some gum, my lunch was completely transportable. 
I definitely brought the right amount of food today, because I didn’t come home with such a ferocious appetite like yesterday.
Tonight’s dinner was one of my all-time favorite vegetarian recipes:
Southwest Quinoa–taken (and tweaked!) from a Stop&Shop grocery store flyer
- 1 cup quinoa
- 1 T. canola oil
- 1 medium green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 8-oz mushrooms, chopped
- 1 cup salsa
- 1-14.5 oz. can diced tomatoes
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8-oz. part-skim mozzarella cheese
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
Preheat oven to 325.
Rinse quinoa in a small strainer. Put quinoa in a heavy saucepan with 2 c. water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to simmer, cover and cook for 15 minutes or until water is absorbed.
In a medium skillet, cook green pepper and onion until soft. Add mushrooms. Transfer to a baking dish or casserole.
Add quinoa, salsa, tomatoes, garlic and cilantro if desired. Mix well. Top with cheese. Backe uncovered for 30 minutes.
Quick and easy. I like to double it (the original–without doubling–serves 6) so that there are leftovers for the week (can we say transportable lunch?? )
Served with a side salad.
+ Endangered Species Dark Chocolate and Cherry chocolate square (= bliss). Yummy meal!
I have some homework to catch up on, a snack to make, and some news to watch. Better get started in the homework department!
Last year I needed to give a 15 minute presentation on my thesis. On the one hand, I was really nervous. At the same time, I wrote a 70 page paper and just had to remind myself that I knew more on my opinion on the facts than anyone else possibly could have.
Good advice! You’re absolutely right. Once I know the topic, at least I can have faith in the fact that I know my stuff.
Thanks for pointing that out! 
That quinoa looks delicious! I love packing left-over lunches.
I’m like you- I’m pretty confident in what I know about nutrition but when I have to give a speech on it, I get so nervous! I think facing your fears is the best way to get over them
I am now craving tex mex eggs… I am totally going to have that for dinner one night this week!!
hey girl!! sorry about the presentation anxieties.. i would def get nervous too! your eats look awesome!
That dish looks soooo delicious! I think you’re night, sometimes you have to DO ‘scary’ things and they will become less scary, you can do it:)
(I ordered that same banana bar from the US, curious now!)
xxx Julia (Taste of Living)
All of your food looks so delicious! I wish we could reach through the screen to take a taste.
I’m sure you’re going to do super well in your class presentations. Just pretend that you’re having a one-on-one conversation with someone about your topic & that should help you to relax & be yourself. I used to be nervous speaking in front of a group of people but it doesn’t bother me much at all now. I just make sure I’m well prepared & speak confidently.
Hope your day goes well!
mm that recipe sounds so interesting!
My dad made my entire family read this book called “attitude is everything” which talks about what you mentioned- we have the ability to CHOSE our attitude in any given situation and it sounds like you have chosen to have a great attitude toward speaking in front of large groups!! A few things I have found helpful in that situation- just tell yourself that you are who you are and you dont care what others think as they are watching you, prepare so that you feel confident as youre up there and you feel ok with what youre talking about, have fun with it! tell a joke, make people laugh, and you will immediately break the ice.
What a great breakfast! Isn’t it amazing how long you stay full when you eat eggs…..=)
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