Panera fail and cottage cheese

Today during work, I was so motivated to run outside for 30 minutes. Then, I would go to Panera (one of my favorite places because they have actual FOOD rather than just pastries). However, today just didn’t pan out exactly how I wanted it.

Example 1: It was absolutely beautiful out ALL morning. It was a tad windy, but the temperature was a little higher than yesterday plus the sun was out. But then my school decided to have a fire drill which consisted of us standing outside while it was super windy and cold. Luckily, my awesome co-worker gave me her huge winter coat to wear.

Let’s fast forward about 30 minutes later: Ding, ding, ding.. what?! Another fire drill?! Did we not do it right the first time? This time it was pouring down rain and thundering. It was also so damn cold out and I didn’t have a coat. It was also a day I decided it would be a good idea to wear a lower neckline. I was FREEZING. We stood out there for about 10-minutes (which is long if you’re cold). For those 10-minutes, I think I became closer than ever with some co-workers who I barely talk to because we were huddling so close to each other! Finally, we were able to go inside. And then, GUESS WHAT? It was sunny and beautiful again. I swear, the weather today really messed with me.

Example 2: I get home and stupidly decided to lie down for a few minutes before I go to the gym (I was not running outside with the unpredictable weather!).

…Two hours later, I woke up and it was dark outside. Oops. I was not going to let a stupid nap stop me though! Off to the gym I went.

Example 3: I forgot to mention that earlier in the day, I bought some amazing white chocolate peppermint bark from our holiday store (the kids made it!). I almost ate all of it during the day. Let me tell you, peppermint bark, no matter how yummy, delicious and colorful, is NOT the perfect pre-running snack. Ick! So, at the gym, I kinda felt like crap. I ran for 5 minutes. Then walked on a 4.0 incline at a fast pace for 10 minutes. Then, I ran for another 5 minutes. Obviously, I didn’t hit my 30 minute goal – even though I have been for the past few weeks with no trouble. Then, I tried to do sit-ups and by that point I was just over the gym.

Example 4: I love Panera so I was super excited to visit for dinner and to write a quick paper. I went to my go-to location (it was around 7 pm), and no one was there. It was closed for some reason (power outage maybe?). Gah! By this point, I was craving their french onion soup so badly that I drove another 15 minutes to a different location. Crazy? Yes. By this point, it was around 7:30 and they close at 9. Obviously not enough time to focus on a paper but I tried anyways.

Example 5: When I opened my computer, I realized that it was on low battery. I looked around everywhere for an outlet and there was none to be seen. Luckily, there was one across the room at a different table. How annoying! I shouldn’t have to move to a different table to plug in my damn laptop. Panera FAIL.

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Lalala, so here I am. Back at my place with a still incomplete paper. I’ll finish it at some point! Now, let’s talk about cottage cheese, shall we? Recently, my new trainer recommended I eat protein with every meal. I would have to agree except for breakfast. Every morning, it’s hard enough getting in a healthy meal quickly! Adding eggs or another protein would be difficult (any other ideas, people?). When he suggested cottage cheese, I literally made a face.

Cottage cheese and I were best friends growing up. I had it all the time (along with apples – which I don’t like now). Then I randomly decided I didn’t like it and haven’t eaten it since. However, with his recommendation and my determination to LIKE cottage cheese, I decided to give it another whirl, especially since it has about 13 grams of protein per serving!

So, I posed this question on Twitter:

I got a TON of excellent suggestions! However, since I’m broke as a joke I only tried two ideas for the time being. The first one was from Just Kerry. Her idea was to add cut up tomato, salt, and pepper to taste. I tried it and loved it! I’m obsessed with fresh tomatoes and love salty food so this was perfect!

Cristina and Shaina both suggested adding jam into the mix. Conveniently, I had some reduced-sugar jam in my fridge already. This morning, I tried that. Honestly, it needed something else. Others suggested honey, vanilla extract, sugar, etc so I’ll add those too plus maybe a cut up banana. By just adding jam, it also makes the serving a little too small. I think by adding a banana, it should bulk it up more.

Anywho, I hope you are having a lovely week. I can’t believe it’s almost the weekend! This time next week, I’ll be in DC with Dan. I’m so excited to see him for 2 and a half weeks! Plus all the traveling (Hellooo, St. Louis!). Tomorrow, I’m a tad nervous because my personal trainer told me it will be a hard workout on my legs. I hope not too hard because I want to get in a good run this weekend in Ohio (I’m visiting my family this weekend).

Well, that’s all I got for today!

xx,

Julie

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