Category: General ramblings

(Anyone remember The Fast Show?)

Pink smoothies!

As the weather was a little milder I fancied something more refreshing. This one I think was pink from frozen cherries and blackberries, plus banana and almond milk.

And this was was even pinker with frozen cherries and frozen raspberries, plus a pear (no bananas left) and almond milk. Delicious. I topped each one with some hemp seeds (from the mixed box of milled flaxseeds and things that you can get in Holland and Barrett) and some muesli.

And sweet potato!

This is one of my fave meals. A baked sweet potato with salad, some roasted veggies (I have a pack of frozen grilled veg- onions, peppers, courgette and aubergine, then I added some broccoli to it), salad (spinach leaves) topped with hummus. Yum!

I chose that as my last meal before going to the hospital. There were loads of guidelines which is a really good thing- all sorts of tips about avoiding infection- keeping warm the day before is really important (and after too of course), cleaning under your nails, all that sort of thing. It said to eat normally but avoid fatty and heavy meals, so this I thought was pretty good. There is some fat in the hummus, but not too much. I was even allowed a drink in the morning (before 6.30am) so long as it was clear, so I made a cup of mint tea, and then made a hot water bottle to have in the car to keep me warm. I did feel a bit silly, because I am not an old person- the guidelines even said to have the car warmed up before you get in it, and Andy actually went and did this for me just to be on the safe side. I am glad I had the tea though because we had to be at the hospital at 7am, but I didn’t go down to the pre-op place until about 11, and it was not until 11.45 that I went to the anaesthetic room. I was thirsty by then!

Warning- I ramble a bit so skip if you don’t like the details!

I have not got my appetite back just yet, but today has been better. In hospital I never felt like eating (the first night I was given jacket potato with beans, which are hard to eat when you are lying down!- I think I managed about 4 forkfulls of beans)- partly because of the environment- when the person opposite you is being sick you don’t fancy your food (even though they draw the curtains you are still in the same room), the food is not very appetising, plus because my stomach was sore, eating made me feel full very quickly. I was rather queasy on Tuesday evening- I thought I was doing well- I had some rice crispies for breakfast, a few bits of tomato pasta and peach slices for lunch, but then dinner was cheesy pasta salad. I thought I should eat something, but even the smell made me feel bad. In the end I had a rice pudding and a nakd bar that Andy had brought in for me, but the combination of the smell of the food, me finding out that one of the holes is in my belly button (I don’t do belly buttons- they make me feel ill) and possibly the surgery too made me ill on Tuesday night (the consultant said that some of the stuff my cyst was made up of would irritate the stomach). Luckily they gave me an anti-emetic in my cannula. So then yesterday I was a bit paranoid about being unwell again. I had a little brown roll for breakfast (the food in the hospital is so random- sometimes they ask you and sometimes you just get given something- I was given bran flakes, orange juice in a tub (like on a plane) and the roll which was the only thing I liked. After getting home Andy made me a piece of toast and that was all I could manage before my stomach felt so full. I think the stitches are putting extra pressure, and I suppose there might be swelling there too.  I had some cereal for dinner last night, and a 9bar a bit later on (for some protein). The hospital recommended protein foods, but I have not fancied anything rich- the thought of peanut butter yesterday just seemed too much. Anyway, I know I am better today because I have been eating closer to normal- porridge for breakfast, some crumpets with pb for lunch, and even an afternoon snack. I do though have such a sore throat which apparently is probably down to having the breathing tube in.

Anyway, I slept so much better at home than I did in the hospital, and have spent the day doing not much at all. I am already moving better than yesterday- Andy went to work whereas yesterday he worked at home and ended up helping me with pretty much everything- even getting up from the sofa was hard work. Well, it still is but I can manage it today.

I think I am going to have that sweet potato meal tonight, only I will have to have almond butter as I have no hummus. Those frozen veggies are such a “cheat” ingredient but I love them. So much easier. What is your favourite cheat ingredient? 

Hello!

Thanks for all the lovely messages 🙂

The operation went well on Monday- the new consultant was so lovely and managed to do it via keyhole (well, 3 keyholes). I felt pretty ropey yesterday, and had to stay for an extra night in hospital but got to come home today! The consultant did laugh at me when I asked him today when I could start running again- seeing as I am having trouble walking at the moment! Well, the answer is 6 weeks so long as everything heals properly, so I can start to look forward to that.

Anyway, for the next few days it seems I won’t be moving much, but that means I can catch up on what everyone on the net has been doing 🙂

Thanks again

Maria 🙂

Hello- thanks for all the lovely comments on my last post. I am feeling pretty positive about going into hospital. Of course I would rather not go, but it will mean I can get back to being healthy and feeling better so it will be worth it. I met the new consultant (after I complained they have moved me to someone else- the old consultant had no spaces free til April anyway) and he was so reassuring- he kept asking me if I had any more questions and talked me through his “plan”.

Although now I have to decide what to pack- panic! When I go on holiday, I write a list a few weeks in advance, so only having a few days seems short notice! Anything I should take?

Anyway, back to the bagels. On our holiday in the summer we bought a bagel slicer. I had only seen these at breakfast buffets- never in the shops, so it was very exciting. I had not had bagels in ages, but Andy bought some as he likes one for breakfast before a race, so I got to use it!

You can of course use a bread knife, but when I do it one half ends up much thinner, or in fact I cut at such an angle that I only slice of 1/4 of it. Anyway, you put the bagel in it.

Then you put the blade section on the top, and push it down.

All the way down. It slices the bagel into two perfect halves.

Lift off the blade bit, then get out your bagel.

I slice them before freezing, so I did the whole bag.

Today I fancied a bagel for lunch (with pb), and I appreciated the two identical halves! 🙂 I love cinnamon raisin bagels- mmm.

Also, I treated myself to a pre-operation present- a mini teapot. Apparently it is a 2 cup teapot- perhaps if you drink from dolls cups. It has a filter in it too, so I can use it for loose leaf tea. I also got myself some of that.

I pretended I was at a tea room/the waffle house (you know, when they give you a teapot, a cup, some milk and then another cup/ jug with more water to top up the pot with)- I had some loose leaf cinnamon tea in there and once I poured out a cup (which was my smallest Minnie cup and was most of the teapot) I topped it up with more hot water, and have had a second cup whilst typing this.  The small things please me 🙂

The teapot was 30% off (I love having the Whittard outlet nearby) and the tea was buy one, get one half price. I got some loose rooibos with orange and cinnamon, and some teabags with cinnamon, cardamom and ginger (which I can’t find on the website so I wonder if they are discontinuing them).

As an immediate (well almost) post op treat I have ordered myself one of these yoga mats, as I am determined to pick it up again and I think it will help me gain some strength back too. I am hoping it will be a good mat as my current one is terrible and I slide all over the place. Plus I had a 10% Sheactive code from subscribing to Women’s Running (wrspringrun).

I am also going to treat myself to some new trainers, so once I have started again I am going to go up to Sweatshop and see what they advise- I have never done that before- usually I just try them on and they have been fine, but I think it will be a good idea as I always got along with Nike ones, but my current ones (which were the “improved” model of my old ones) are not as good. They are comfy, but not brilliant. I even dreamt about buying running shoes last night- although in my dream I had bought them in American and only realised when I tried them on that they were made like jelly shoes, and also they were the wrong size and I would not be able to return them. I think I must really miss running!

Right, I need to start writing my list. There are complicated rules it seems- I can only take 5Kg with me on the day (as I think someone has to transport my luggage from where I am admitted to the ward I will be staying in), but I am allowed one visitor one the first day only, so Andy can always bring in other bits then. Also on one piece of paper it said no food was allowed (although my Dad brought me in some fruit last time) unless you check with the staff! But I was going to get Andy to bring me in a few bits anyway. I have started a list (someone mentioned taking pen and paper which is a fab idea as I cannot remember much of what was told to me from my last stay in there)- but I would appreciate any comments on what else to pack.

Have a lovely weekend everyone 🙂

Hey all

I had some appointments at the hospital today, and am relieved that I have the operation confirmed for Monday. At last! I was really nervous about the appointments today- I was not sure what they would do but I was pretty sure they would need to take some blood- seeing as on the ward I cried in front of all the other patients last time, I was not looking forward to that. Luckily I saw two lovely nurses (for different things) who were very sympathetic to my nerves (the second one said to me right away- without me asking – “don’t worry we won’t be doing internal examinations today”- I hadn’t even thought about that!!). The doctor who ended up taking my blood used a “butterfly” (?) which they usually use on children. Anyway, it didn’t hurt. Then I met with the new consultant who will be doing the operation, and he was so reassuring. Apart from the cyst I am in perfect health which is good to know- one nurse even said “if only we had more patients like you” (although surely the point of being in hospital is that something is wrong with your health!). The appointments were in the morning and over lunch, and as I was so nervous I had only had a small breakfast of 2 crumpets, so on my way home I stopped for a treat in Starbucks. It may be a while before I can drive again so I took the opportunity.

I was hoping for a panini (or a cinnamon roll- shhh)- but by the time I got there (it was around 2.30 I think) there was not much left, so I tried the fruit bread with some apricot jam, and of course the soya chai latte. The fruit bread was lovely (although it has more calories than the cinnamon roll (perhaps from the butter?) so it is a rare treat!)- filled with cranberries, raisins and sultanas- yum. I sat outside as the weather was gorgeous, and I didn’t even need my jacket.

I then went to Waitrose to get a few bits- there was lots of suggestions on the many leaflets I was given about what to eat after, what to take in with you and so on. I got a magazine to read, some little pots of fruit in juice (when I was in before the best thing I ate was tinned peaches), some nine bars (they recommend foods high in protein for after) and some Bio oil. I am not too worried about a scar because I never wear a bikini anyway, but it might help it heal quicker. Anyway, I had such a funny exchange with the guy on the till. He was maybe in his late 50’s, and it went like this (as he put my magazine through):

Him : I didn’t know you could get a magazine just for runners.

Me: Yes, you can get a few, there is Women’s Running and Men’s Running too.

Him: (turns to his collegue on the next till and shows her my Runners World mag)-Hey, did you know you could get a magazine just for runners? Look. She says there are more; Women’s running, Men’s running… (back to me)- so you do a lot of running?

Me: Yes.

Him:Well, you look very fit.

Me: Thanks, bye.

How sweet (I think the dress I have on must be very flattering!)- and how funny that he was so take aback by the idea of not one, but many magazines for runners! it gave me a little boost after spending the morning being prodded etc in hospital too. 🙂 Anyway, for the last few months I have felt my fitness slipping away, and although it is not my identity, it does feel strange. So many people have said to me “gosh, I bet you can’t run at the moment/ oh dear I bet you miss all your exercise” and so on, and it is true, I really do miss it. I have not done anything except walking for 3 months now, which seems loads. But I suppose over the course of my life it is not long, and I am sure that when I am allowed to start again, my fitness levels will come back. Has anyone else had a big break from exercising? If so, how did you manage when you started again?

Also- how weird is this? In the fancy fake milk section of Waitrose, they have the “hazelnut drink” for £1. In the chiller bit by all the chilled Alpro, they had “Hazelnut milk” and “Almond Milk”, also for £1 each but in slightly different cartons, and these have to be refrigerated. I only looked at them quickly but could not see any difference right away but it seems Alpro have launched fresh and ambient versions of the drink.

Now what shall I do with my last few days of freedom? It feels very strange- of course I am looking forward to being healthy, but I would quite like to fast forward about a week- I will be so nervous Monday, and I don’t think the bit right after the op is going to be great either. It is a bit like waiting for an exam or something- I want it done but am not looking forward to it.

Bye 🙂

Gosh the weeks are just flying by- nearly March!

This week I went for Monday again (because I remembered to take photos) and did make sure I got a lot of veggies in there.

Breakfast:

It has been so mild so I went for a smoothie- with mango, blackberries, 1/2 a banana (don’t like it too banana-ey), hazelnut milk and peanut flour (for some protein- I much prefer that taste to any protein powder that I have tried too). Topped with some hemp and some muesli. I loved the pink colour! Yesterday I made an even pinker one- with cherries instead of mango.

Lunch: I popped to the shops to pick up a few bits, so by the time I got home I wanted something really quick.

Caramelised onion hummus on sunflower seed ryvita, with yellow pepper to dip, and grapes.

I also made a little banana pudding by mashing the other half of the banana with some chocolate pb, and topped it with chocolate almonds (looks like a mess because I mashed it in that bowl). Plus chocolate tea. I was in a chocolate mood it seems! It gave me energy for a little afternoon walk anyway- what a busy day!

Dinner:

Here is where I fill up on veggies! This was a freezer surprise! I thought it was going to be lentil chilli, but it turned out to be quinoa and wholegrain cous cous with black eye beans, peppers, carrots, squash and tomato, and I added in some spinach just before I served it.

Dessert:

A little bar of Montezuma’s white chocolate with raspberry. Yum.

And pink!

Well, pink flecks anyway.

I enjoy doing these WIAW posts, so thanks Jenn for organising them. I really am a creature of habit, so it does make me think about making something different so that all my posts don’t look the same. What I have realised I need to think about are my protein sources, or more specifically, combining protein sources. When I was younger I had a bit of a battle with my Mum letting me become a vegetarian. I never liked meat, so I just used to leave it, and my Mum was very worried that I would not eat properly. When I was doing my GCSE’s for Home Economics (Food Tech it is now called) I had to do a project about specific diets, and I chose vegetarianism. One of the things that was so important is getting a variety of plant protein sources, in order to get the complete chain of amino acids. This would mean having pulses or nuts or seeds with a grain/ carbohydrate typically. E.g. jacket potato with beans, peanut butter on toast, rice with chickpeas, and so on. Anyway, I have realised that I have moved to eating more pulses, which is good, but I have not been combining them with another source of protein- I don’t like rice (I don’t dislike it, just think it is a bit blah so never have it) plus I find pulses and veggies very filling, so if I was to have a chilli type meal, I will typically have it on it’s own. I know there are a few vegetarian complete proteins- quinoa is one, but I would only have this maybe once a week, and not a great deal of it. So anyway, it is something I need to think about and maybe come up with a few different meals or things to add to meals I have already.

Vegetarians/ Vegans- how do you make sure you are getting complete protein sources in your meals?