Howdy folks! Despite having “nothing to do” I sure have been busy today. Some cleaning, catching up on blogs, blogging myself, answer>ing emails from when I was away, a workout, grocery shopping, lunch, blogging! I keep thinking I have to get to my school work and then remembering it’s over.
For those of you who asked about my summer plans: I am taking the month of May off and doing some traveling and then in June + July I’ll be interning at an R.D.’s office 20 hours a week. Remember, also, that is blog IS my job, and I also have a lot of freelance projects lined up. So while it’s lovely that I’m home and able to have a flexible schedule, it’s not all fun and games (except I’m sure during May when I do have more time it will be more fun and less work 🙂 ). One of the biggest reasons I decided to go back to school to become an R.D. is the flexibility of lifestyle and job variety R.D.s have. I used to read about Cristin’s lifestyle at Eat Like Me while I was chained to a desk and noticed that she would be out running errands at 11am, working on her business, and doing part-time work day in and out, and I realized that what I hated most about my job in PR wasn’t the work itself, but the 9-5 lifestyle. I never want to go back to that again. So this career move has been two fold – one to pursue a topic I love (nutrition+food) and two to pursue a patchwork schedule of different jobs and projects to keep my brain happy and my lifestyle ever-changing.
I set out for the gym at 12:30 (guiltily by car) and spent some time being a human filter: out with the old sweat, in with the H20! I did 30 minutes on the Stepmill, 15 on the ET and some lifting. It felt very good to sweat, and I’m happy to say my water retention is gone today.
MY OTHER RECIPES
I arrived back home around 1:45 and immediately turned around and went to the grocery store. I got attention from the check-out folks as I was in my workout clothes, sweaty, and when the guy asked if needed drive-up service I said no I was on a bike! He was impressed that I could manage 2 bags of groceries on a bike and followed me out to see how I biked: 1 bag in my basket and the other over my shoulder, with minimal pedaling.
The best way to recover from a weekend of overeating? Fresh groceries!!
It was then 2:30 and I really wasn’t that hungry for lunch…and I was still craving that smoothie so I decided to have a Tofu Smoothie! My friends and I were talking about them last night and I realized it’s been ages since I’ve made one.
I picked up some silken tofu while I was out and blended that with half a banana, the last of our farmer’s market kale, ~3/4 a cup of low-fat milk, 6 ice cubes and 1 tbsp honey.
I used 1/4 of the tofu block –
It was awesome!! Perhaps a little liquidy (I should have used half a cup of milk) but perfectly delicious. The tofu makes it taste kind of nutty sweet like soy milk, which I like.
On the side I had carrot with PB and 2 clementines
I am missing whole grains at this meal, but that’s because I was waiting for Matt to arrive with some fresh bread! Sure enough he came home with some Cinnamon Raisin Walnut buns just a while ago. I might have one for a snack!
Now I am going to put some focus on this, which Gena sent me mid-semester from her publishing house!
Such a GREAT book! I re-read it (for the sixth time) as my first summer treat!
I just bought that book and will be starting it after I finish The Shack. The tofu smoothie looks tasty …. I will definitely have to give that a try! Have a great rest of your day 🙂
That book is amazing! I read it a few years ago and I loved it. I kind of want to read it again actually – SO good.
Totally down with your lifestyle career change choice. You’re a smart girl! Though I gotta mention, Cristin’s lifestyle/career is hardly as accomplished or involved as yours is now and will be in the future. Even before the baby, she’s always been kind of a dietician dilettante thanks to a hubby making $250k+/year. Kath, it’s *you* I respect!
tofu smoothie looks yummy, will have to give it a try!
Middlesex is a FANTASTIC read, really read it slowly and take in everything, it’s so well written. Enjoy the rest of your day:)
Tofu in a smoothie? That looks awesome. Adding tofu to next week’s grocery list for sure!
Everything looks wonderful! That must be so nice to be starting a job that you want to do. One thing I’ve always wanted to do was work from home, rather than in an office all day … maybe one day.
That book is amazing! Jeffrey Eugenides is a great author.
Kath,
I can totally relate to not digging the 9-5 lifestyle! I am getting ready to graduate in two weeks and have had a couple of internships which all required being “chained to a desk” for eight hours–YUCK. While I don’t anticipate becoming an R.D., I am looking for jobs that would give me that active, full of variety lifestyle that I so crave. Anyway, just thought I’d share! So jealous you are done with school! I still have one more week of classes after this week and THEN finals! Hmph 🙁
Enjoy your day!
-Katharine
Middlesex is SO, SO GOOD. It was a summer read for me, too!
Mmm I love fresh groceries. All that healthy food will certainly get you back on track after a decadent (but fun and delicious!) weekend.
Enjoy the rest of your day!
Great loot! I hear you 100% about the 9-5 lifestyle not being your thing – me neither! Cristin at Eat Like Me has definitely been an inspiration for me as well – to do what you love and love what you do. Sounds like you’re on the right track for that – now I just need to jump on board too!
It’s so cool to hear about your reasons for becoming an R.D. 🙂 Great job nixing that annoying water retention too!
Middlesex is an awesome book – I loved it.
Keep up the great work on your blog – it’s inspiring!
That’s a really good book. I’ve never read a book that so clearly articulated what intersex life was like. Great great great book!
Yay for your soon to be RD! Personally, I love having a set schedule; at least for now; but I am sure down the road I will enjoy that lots of RDs work part time or for themselves! I DO NOT love being chained to a desk either-enjoy your busy/non-busy day!
I absolutely agree with you Kath! When Cristin first started doing her blog I was soooo jealous of her lifestyle and freedom. Good for you for changing your career paths and pursing all things you LOVE. If I had it to do all over again I would definitely go that route.
Fabulous lunch – I love all the orange and the green at lunch.
The great thing about a patchwork schedule is you never get bored! I feel you on the chained to a desk 9 to 5 thing. Plus, blogging is fun and games, isn’t it? 🙂
Everything looks delicious!
I love your reasons for switching up your job, I hate being at my desk all day long!
Seriously, going by car to the gym is nothing to feel guilty about. Also, why do you stay in your sweaty workout gear when going to the grocery store? Pretty much every health mag I have read says to change gear (especially underwear!) after a workout to prevent yeast infections, staph infections and other such nastiness.
new books are the best!
Where are you going to be traveling? I know you mentioned London some posts ago and I will be there Memorial Day weekend. I am SOOOOOOOO psyched!
sounds like a nice day! Enjoy the book – I’m loving that I can read more now that school is over.
Kath,
when are you going to boston? I was just there and stopped at Great Harvest. They didn’t have the flaxseed rolls at the one in Newtonville. However, I found out they ship!!
I work at a PR/advertising agency right now and while I like what I do (for the most part) I feel exactly as you described at the beginning of the post! One of the main reasons I’m going back to get my PhD!
There are just some people who aren’t supposed to have a desk ‘9-5’ job! 😉
Isn’t it funny how the days with “nothing” planned seem to fly by?? Love the story about your career change. I’ve been an RD for about 8 years now, and it’s a great field…the awesome thing is, it is totally what you make of it!
I haven’t read Middlesex, but just now read the synopsis on Amazon. Sounds really interesting. If you enjoy it, I’d recommend “Self” by Yann Martel (he wrote Life of Pi). It’s a great book with a similar story of changing sexes (although it occurs in a different way). Highly recommend.
Hi Kath,
Wow, I am in the exact same situation you were. I work in Public Relation and absolutely hate being ‘chained to a desk’ all day. I really admire you for going back and doing what you love. I love health, nutrition, food and fitness too (well…why else would I be reading your blog!) and have always wanted a job that has that flexible lifestyle.
It’s inspiring and I may just take a page out of your book and pursue something that I actually love.
I agree with Shannon.. I’m definitely not one of those ‘9-5’ people.
Thanks,
Janna
ooh! I keep meaning to add that book to my “to read” list!
That is really awesome that you will have that flexibility with your career! I love teaching, and obviously summers off cannot be beat, but when you are in a classroom you can’t even go to the bathroom when you want!
I can’t wait to hear about your freelance plans.
That smoothie is a good way to use up leftover greens! Looks great.
I love tofu smoothies!
Glad you get to have some down time!
I knew we’d see a green smoothie sometime today. Let the detox continue.
I’m excited to see where your blog goes in your “free time.”
yay for having may off…you deserve a little break (although i know you’ll still keep plenty busy!)….i had a “duh!” moment the first time i put tofu in a smoothie, and found out how soy milk-y it tasted.
Your table full of fresh fruits and veggies looks so good. Yummy!
I love the reasoning behind your career move. Good for you for pursuing something you love!
I’ve heard that’s a good book!
Dang, Lindsie, your standards must be pretty high. Cristin has earned multiple degrees, done hospital work, started her own food delivery business, taught nutrition classes on a college level, and worked for a nationally published magazine, all before the age of 30. That doesn’t really sound like a “nutrition dilletante” to me. I’m just sayin’…
I just started Middlesex and everyone who sees me reading it says they LOVED it.
Those are some of the same reasons I chose to go for my RD! My other idea was possibly pursuing an MSW because my parents are clinical social workers, and the flexibility of their schedules was super appealing. I’m glad that working as an RD will allow for the same flexibility.
Middlesex is an awesome book. I’m interested to hear what you think of it 🙂
Go green smoothies! I’ve been eyeing that book – you’ll have to let us know how it is!
I’m off to grab some citrus!! That clementine looks so fresh and delicious!
sounds like an exciting summer!
I hope you like the book – I wasn’t a big fan but it IS set in Detroit 😉
Such a great book! I think I’ll start re-reading it. Your tofu smoothie looks interesting! I’ve never thought to do that, but I’ll have to give it a whirl sometime.
I read that book a number of years ago and I loved it- couldn’t put it down, hope you enjoy it!
Sounds like the perfect plan for this summer! I know I want to go into the nutrition field, but I am still unsure exactly what I want to do with my career, so it is so interesting for me to hear about all of your plans and ideas. I just love getting fresh ideas for my own options!
Another amazing idea for a smoothie! I tried the oats in mine yesterday, and it was SO good! I’ve gotta try tofu! What kind do you use… firm, etxtra-frim, etc?
I need to try silken tofu in smoothies – sounds like a great way to get some protein in. I’m doing a health shadowing internship this summer too – I hope I learn a lot!
Oh great grocery haul!
Lindsie,
That is pretty rude of you to say those things about Cristin! How do you even know what her husband does or how much he makes? Cristin has made her own success many times over, so I don’t think she could ever be considered a “dietician dilettante”
Kath, I am curious, did your freelancing opportunities happen as a result of your blog? I would love to freelance write but haven’t really been sure how to break into it.
Amy, I agree. It will be interesting to see if that comment stays out here/given that the tone out here is usually pretty positive. It sounds like Cristin (and Kath) are both tops at what they do.
Anna,
Cristin has multiple degrees, sure- from a 5yr BA/MA program. Kath on the other hand has more education than her: first, a real BA in an academic subject, now her 2yr MA in nutrition. Kath’s better educated, and based on their writing, smarter too. Cristin’s work in the hospital was just her RD internship like all RDs have to do. Her other pre-baby job was giving nutrition advice in a gym. But she quit to be a professional grocery-deliverer.
But the biggest problem with her is that she clearly doesn’t give a sh*t about the blog or her readers. It’s just an easy paycheck for her, and it shows. Kath built this blog herself and puts in 200% effort day in, day out, and actually communicates with her readers and talks about nutrition. When was the last time Cristin mentioned anything useful nutrition-wise? I know more about her walking and dog-washing schedule. She either doesn’t care enough to do a good job or she’s not smart enough to know how.
One last thing: it’s not like Cristin got that gig from some nationwide search of the best RDs or something. She has a friend who works at Self who got her on board when the editors were looking for an RD to blog. Lucky break.
Hey Guys, I found Cristin to be inspiring from the start, so can we please keep the conversation positive? Thank you!
Middlesex is Great! Enjoy the downtime for a while!
Anyone who has that kind of knowledge and devotes loads of their time to helping teach and educate people about proper nutrition is an inspiration 🙂
Currently: in love with that candle 🙂
In my opinion a jobs work schedule can make or break it. Having random days off in the middle of the week is on of the perks to my job. I cannot imagine ever working a 9-5 job…I don’t know how people find time to get things done! Grocery shopping on a Tuesday afternoon is so much more enjoyable than fighting the crowds on a Saturday when everyone else in the world is off of work 🙂
Middlesex is a great book – I look forward to reading your review!
As a soon-to-be genetic counselor, I found that book interesting for some of the psychosocial implications of certain genetic disorders. It was on our “fun” reading list 🙂
Glad you’re enjoying your flexible lifestyle…hopefully it can continue once you’re an RD and doing just what you want!
Lydia ,
July 17-20!
Heather ,
I used silken, but you could probably use any kind since it gets blended.
Beadie ,
Yes, they have been blog related, but there are lots of writing ops out there if you contact smaller publications.
Kath
Thats too funny I got tofu specifically to put in my smoothies today while grocery shopping! I cant wait to try it! Its a nice way to add protein.
I LOVE Middlesex, absolutely one of my favorite books of all time. Now you’ve inspired me to make a smoothie – I just might have to have one for dinner!
That smoothie sounds great! Sometimes I don’t know what to do with extra tofu, but I do now!!
Hi Kath,
I have a question for you:
I am also studying to be a nutritionist, although I am not nearly as far along as you are in your studies. I am hoping to use find some nutrition-related opportunities this summer, but I am unsure where to look since I am not licensed yet. Do you have any suggestions on what kind of jobs/opportunities would be helpful for a person in my situation? I’d appreciate any advice you might have!
Kath, I’m with you on the desk job thing. I am a lawyer right now and I absolutely hate being chained to a desk 8+ hours a day! I’m trying to figure out my plan B – Kudos to you for following your heart! I have a question for you – I would LOVE to pursue nutrition, but after going to law school, I can’t justify taking out more loans for school and spending several years studying for an R.D. Are there any nutrition-related jobs that require less schooling?
that book was the next one on my list! I hope ya like it! looks really interesting
Hey Kath, I hear you on the 9 – 5 thing! What I used to love most about my job was that I wasn’t chained to my desk, but those days have changed….best of luck to you – sounds like you’re on a great path!
Caroline ,
I emailed a bunch of R.D.s in private practice and asked if I could volunteer/intern for them. I got a few positive responses. Check the local ADA chapter in the area for a list of their websites. Unfortunately I’m working unpaid. I think in this economy it would be very hard to find paid work in the field.
megan ,
You could probably do food related things like writing articles and recipe development. It’s hard to find, but if you dig around or write the articles in advance and pitch them to pubs, you might have some luck.
Kath
Loved that book – my all time favorite read though is She’s Come Undone which I read at least once each year. Getting experience with an RD before your DI is a great idea – the experience and exposure will be very helpful!
Middlesex is one of my favorite books. The author also wrote The Virgin Suicides, which is very strange but fascinating.