It was the last day of my quiche and pork chops! I am actually surprised that I still looked forward to it, even if I did have the same breakfast four days in a row! I did add some grapefruit that my parents-in-law sent me for Christmas. So good. Nothing like Florida citrus!
Before I knew it, it was time to hit up the gym. The gym I belong to is a Tennis Club, so there is a boutique off the main entrance where you can buy tennis outfits, running bras, tennis rackets, etc. I looked through the racks once when I first joined –um, did you know that some tennis outfits can cost a couple hundred bucks?!
But when I walked in, they had a rack that said “2013 Closeout.” I really need a new bathing suit. I’ve warn (and put in the dryer – oops!) my old one for years. It’s getting really thin and it really stretches out once I get in the water. So I started looking through the racks – even some of the bathing suits on discount were $50-$80. But then I saw this bathing suit.
This is a Speedo endurance suit – originally $74. You can’t really tell, but its blue and that’s my favorite color. Better yet? I didn’t see the sign that said “50% off lowest price.” Yep, I got that suit for $18.50 – and with tax just under $20!! Score! And guess what? It fits perfectly. I could barely tell I was wearing a bathing suit while swimming! I do have a question though. When looking for cheaper bathing suits online, I found a lot of references for “practice suits.” I found some other Speedo bathing suits for under $25 – what the hell is a practice swim suit? Can you tell I am not a swimmer?! And guess what? I had the whole pool to myself! I am happy that the lifeguard doesn’t sit on the chair anymore when I swim, she sits in her office now. I think she’s confident by now I won’t drown!
When I got back from the pool, I heated up my lunch. Remember that big pot of roasted vegetable marinara I made over the weekend?
Vegetable Marinara
- 4 tomatoes
- 2 green peppers
- 3 carrots
- 5 cloves garlic
Roast the vegetables for an hour at 325. Once a bit cooled, put in a pot with two cans of crushed tomatoes (look for no sugar added – I had to buy organic to get just tomatoes) and add Italian seasoning and crushed red pepper. Using an immersion blender, blend until the vegetables are pureed. I used this sauce on my spaghetti squash pizza, and then yesterday for lunch.
I mixed 1 cup cooked spaghetti squash, with 1 cup cooked butternut squash. I added 3 ounces of sliced cooked Italian sausage, and 1 cup of baby spinach and heated it all up with about 3/4 cup of the vegetable marinara.
This was a lot of food! While my co-worker and I loved the flavor – the texture was a bit off putting. Blog reader Peggy suggested I make Zoodles next time – zucchini noodles!
That being said, we both ate everything – the perfect bite was when you got a little bit of everything on the fork. All tallied up, this whole bowl was only 277 calories, and 176% of vitamin A and 50% of vitamin C for the day!
I haven’t done a full grocery shop yet this week. When I went shopping last Saturday, I had no idea how much longer Tony was going to be in the hospital. I knew I had some chicken breasts that needed to be cooked up. Poor Tony had a taste for an apple, and I have absolutely zero fruit at home – well, except for oranges and grapefruit, but he’s not a fan.
When I said “not sure exactly what I am going to make for dinner” Tony said “it’s because you didn’t buy any groceries” or words to that effect. I am sure he was kidding, but I could feel my blood sugar dropping and that comment didn’t sit well with me – I was thinking “between working and going to the hospital before and after work, not sure I would have found time to grocery shop.” I need a plan when I shop, otherwise I just throw stuff in the cart, get home and think “now what am I going to make with this stuff?”
He suggested pasta, so I cooked up the chicken breast, made angel hair pasta and added baby spinach to mine. I brought the food to him, and started eating – I was hungry, pissed and not that pleasant to sit next to. It takes about 15 minutes after I eat to come back around to my normal self. And to make matters worse, I bit my lip for like the 10th time and I just tossed my plate to the side and said “why do I even bother to eat??!!”
It was a culmination of emotions, from Tony being in the hospital and getting different opinions every other day, the stupid cold weather, the snow, I felt like I was going to lose it. BUT, happy to say that before long, I was back to my happy self. I had a busy afternoon and only have 277 calories after swimming for 40 minutes probably wasn’t the best idea! I plan on bringing snacks to work this afternoon!
Happy Friday! I am working a double today – I haven’t worked at the restaurant since New Years Eve – they probably forgot what I looked like! Off to iron my shirt and get my food together for the day – make it a great day!
I know I’m ridiculously late to the party, but I’m sending a giant hug over your way Vat!!!!!
After all you have been through last week and how busy you have been, it was just a matter of time before you had an emotional breakdown and it was totally deserved. We sometimes need it because once it happened, we feel much better. No excuses needed here.
Seriously Biz, don’t blame yourself for almost “losing it” you’ve been holding it together for the longest time now. Maybe Tony, although still recovering, can help out and be put in charge of grocery shopping now he’s home. There are plenty of grocery stores that deliver now. Do an online order and get it delivered, one less thing to worry about. You’re working your arse off!!! One less task will only make you better at all other things you do.