High Protein and Ode to my Toe

I woke up craving protein and vegetables and whole grains. I was super hungry! I think girl’s night dinner was not as nutrient dense as I am used to because we didn’t have any veggies or fruit! It was fufilling in other ways though so I am okay with it but I knew a fruit-filled smoothie would be perfect.

I used this new frozen mix at Trader Joe’s because they were out of their frozen pineapple bits and frozen mango and frozen blueberries too! They were also out of their greek yogurt!!! ???? Reminder for myself: Do NOT to go to TJ on thursday’s anymore!

Their mix was mango, raspberries and blueberries, unsweetened. My smoothie included this mix, half a banana, milk, water, pure protein, wheat germ and a little peanut butter.

 
Side note: A friend of mine mentioned that her nutritionist says nuts and seeds provide all the protein we need. I love my friend ( hi nikki b!) but as many have said before, a Registered Dietician is far me educated than only a certified nutritionist ( which you can get online with little knowledge necessary). I don’t think badly against nutritionists either, but I wanted to bring up that while it is true that nuts and seeds contain a good amount of protein compared to say a crossiant, they also contain more fat than protein. I usually consider nuts and seeds a fat source.

Aside from that, there are essential amino acids that cannot be obtained from nuts and seeds alone. We need complete proteins and a variety of proteins. There are plenty of sources, low fat dairy, egg whites, lean meats, legumes, etc. I think many times people in the U.S go well over the “recommended” protein intake according to the government, however, their sources can often be from unhealthy fast food burgers or processed and packaged foods with high saturated fats and lower nutrient dense foods. The problem isn’t the protein, it is the balancing of protein with all the other nutrients they need if all they eat is say a burger: they don’t get much vitamins or minerals they need.

I don’t like to follow what the government tells me to do either, I follow what my body tells me.  I really feel much better on a higher protein diet that includes tons of fruits and vegetables and good sources of whole grains. That is just what I prefer: so eat your nuts and seeds or have that burger but take into account there are lots of other things you need as well!

The plan for today:

Body:

oh toe. why do you give me such woe. i want to run. but you won’t be fun. you are my foe, my poor toe.

Mind:
Study all weekend for my vitamins exam! Probably a few hours each day.

I was invited to join the Nutrition Honors Fraternity for graduate students earning above a 3.8 GPA ( mine is still at 4.0 and I hope it stays that way!) in the nutrition program. Our initiation is monday but it’s not like all the other frat intiations. I just have to remember to go so this is my reminder!! 

Soul:

Our friend’s new girlfriend’s 30th birthday party is tonight- I am trying to find some shirts or something but I have no idea where to go !?!?!

Any advice on how to make fun of someone but still make them feel part of the group ? hmm… I will be conjuring up ideas while I catch up on all your blogs.