Hello! Hope you are all having a good day! My lunch is doggy inspired. I know you are thinking, “What the heck is she talking about?” A few days ago I got this picture e-mailed to my from my bestie May.
That is her dog Stolki licking an Amy’s can clean! My fur-nephew is just like his Auntie Ali, loves him some Amy’s. The caption of the photo was, ” Hmmmm…he reminds me of somone…” 
After seeing that picture I though, “Wow, I love that soup! I haven’t had Amy’s black bean soup in ages.” So can you guess what was for lunch today?
I had a can of Amy’s black bean soup. On the side I had some fresh fruit: cantaloupe (on sale this week !!!), blueberries and strawberries.
There was also a serving of kashi crackers and a laughing cow cheese wedge.
This lunch was filling and balanced! I loved it, especially the fresh fruit!
In Other News:
I am having an “off week”, and I wanted to talk about it and it’s affect on me openly. Fact: I have not worked out since Saturday. Saturday’s workout was less than great too! Remember my bad run? At the beginning of the week, my hamstrings were incredibly sore! Like I had a hard time walking if I was sitting down for a while sore. So, I listened to my body and rested. Yesterday, I had an issue that bought me a visit to the ER. Today, I am feeling tired, uncomfortable and not willing to get to the gym and workout.
I know I should rest because my body has been telling me all week that it is not well, but sometimes it is hard. Mentally, I am happier and feel better when I work out and am moving. But, physically I don’t feel like I want to/should be doing that. I will be honest, taking 4 days off (and seeing the possibility of it being more) does not make me feel great. Although these off weeks barely ever happen to me (once every 6 months or so) this is a struggle for me- just being honest. How do you feel about “off weeks”? Do they happen to you often? Do you struggle with them, or welcome them? Do you ever feel the physical and mental battle during off weeks?
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I totally feel a battle during off weeks. Like you, I don’t feel great about taking days off, even though I know I should and my body is telling me so. But you have to look at it in the long term – taking some much needed time off won’t affect you that bad in the long run. Your body needs it, so it will welcome it. Once you get back into it you’ll feel so refreshed.
Definately have those! It is very challenging, both mentally and physically, but I know I will bounce back so I just keep on trucking. There is nothing wrong w/taking some much needed rest time…that just ensures you will come back stronger than ever!
Heather @ http://www.forthehealthofit01.wordpress.com
Hi Ali!!
I just came across your blog and think it’s super cute
I had an “off week” last week actually. I was seriously about to go get tested for mono! haha I eventually gave in and listened to my body and this week I’ve been back full-force with my workouts
Hang in there <3
-Lauren
PS….I'm also OBSESSED with that soup
Sometimes I add a little cumin and red chili powder to spice it up
Good luck! You’ll be through it soon!
I am going CRAZY. I just checked my log and the last time I ran was March 9th. The 9th! KILLING ME. However, I need to not go for a run no matter how much I want to. My dog ran into my leg (70 lb German Shepherd) and screwed up my knee. Every time the pain lessens, I go to an aerobics class or take a long walk, and it screams at me again. Sometimes you have to take a break. Even if it’s torture.
Also, I MUST try that soup!
I get those periodically. I take some time off and pamper myself. Within a few weeks I’m ready to go again. Take care of you!
Ugh I totally hear you and it’s kind of strange, I am having THE SAME type of week.
1. Boyfriend has been gone for a week = lonely
2. Hamstring strain = not as much working out
3. Super busy = not as much working out
I am in a total funk. Despite running a 9.3 mile run, my brain is telling me I haven’t worked out “AT ALL” etc etc.
I think it’s important (and I am TRYING to do this!) to step back and give yourself the ‘ok’ to have an off week. You had factors beyond your control. You’ll get right back on track. Plus you’re fab
Also, tell May’s puppy my Weim says hi!!
Sara
Aw hun, feel better soon
Why did you have to go to the ER? I hope everything’s okay…
I can completely relate to how you’re feeling. A few months ago I was really sick, and even antibiotics didn’t seem to be working. I just KNEW that working out would not make my body happy. I felt guilty in a way because so many people say “exercise will make you heal faster” or something along those lines, but deep down inside I knew that all my body was craving was REST.
Like you said, you just need to keep listening to your body. You’ll know when you’re ready to exercise again. Chances are it will come sooner rather than later
xoxo
i struggle with this too! when i went on spring break for a week without working out i felt a huge mental challenge. to get over it i just surrounded myself with fun people and realized that practicing adapting to new environments and situations is good for me. i also took lots of deep breaths and did 10 min of yoga a day on my own. simple poses. also, realizing that if you over work yourself when your body is telling you to rest or relax can be detrimental in the long run and health should be a big picture thing
I’m currently in the middle of my off week too!! And I completely agree–it’s tough. Especially when my 1/2 marathon is in a week and a half…it worries me! However, I would rather have fresh legs than my sore, always tight legs right now. Some advice…I’ve been stretching a lot, doing a little yoga and lots of abs!!! (the ocassional push up too.) These little things help so much when you can’t do cardio.
But I can relate…this is tough! Thanks for sharing your thoughts. It helps me remember that I’m not the only one who goes through this
I hate not working out, but sometimes you have to listen to your own body. I’ve been having these terrible stomach pains for over two weeks and the doctor said I should lay low this week and don’t do any form of excercise. On the other hand I think I’m just nuts to even think about working out with these stomach pains.
Hopefully you’ll be running soon! Good luck!
I think it’s easy to get down on yourself during “off weeks” but remember it’s all about balance and listening to your body. Ever since I had a baby I’ve had more off weeks that I care to but I try to remember that as long as I am thinking about being healthy it will all even out in the end.
Can you maybe go for an easy walk or something later? It might boost your spirits just to stretch your legs and think for a little bit.
i have them too — sometimes even off ‘months’! sometimes it has to do with running, other times just i feel like i just get into some sort of LIFE FUNK.
i try to appreciate the good things and remember how lucky i am to get myself out of those kinds of moods — but i know it can be really hard!
hope you are on the mend — if you were my patient in the ER i would also give you first class treatment
I’m having an off-week too. I’m fairly new to the running/active lifestyle and it’s been a hard road. I will have a couple weeks that feel great & I’m really proud of myself, & then I have a week or two that I don’t feel like moving & when I do, have a realllllly hard time. There is nothing like a bad workout to smash whatever confidence I had. I know I just need one great workout to get back on track but it’s hard to get motivated again!
Good luck!!!
Hey Ali, love your blog.
Don’t be so hard on yourself – everyone has off weeks, its part of the game, and its important to take time for yourself as well. I’m like you though – exercise is my stress-reliever, so I get a little antsy when I can’t go for some reason.
AND … reading your post reminded me how much I love Amy’s soup – I think I’ll bring some to work tomorrow.