Hippocratic Oats

Summer breeze, makes me feel fine

July 7, 2009 at 12:19 am Leave a comment

The best thing I could have done with the summer before I started med school is exactly what I’m doing right now. Relaxing. I know I’ll have to face reality eventually, but for right now I’m enjoying my free time. I’m watching a ton of daytime tv, I’m sitting outside reading books that have nothing to do with science, and I’m working out. I haven’t completely let go of my old slightly OCD ways. I do have a to-do list that I’m currently working on. I’ve just taken some of the pressure off myself when it comes to get everything done as soon as possible. This new attitude is paying off. Not only on my reduced stress level, but my running has improved. After doing an 8 mile run on Saturday, I followed it up on Sunday with fast 5K clocking in my best mile time during this 15 K training. The only downside to all this relaxation time is my lack of things to talk about in my blog

I started the morning off with a bowl of Special K adding my own fresh blueberries.

For a mid morning snack, I munched on some fresh pineapple.

Around lunch time I decided to lay out in the sun for a bit. Have no fear, I slathered on the SPF 50. I’m super super careful about the sun, always putting on a ton of sunblock, but it feels so nice to be outside . I love summer and sunshine. Unfortunately, my parents decided to get rid of the pool we had in the backyard. This is the first summer I’m home to actually miss it . A quick dip would have felt amazing after my sun time, but no such luck. Instead I cooled off with a “Green Mango Monster“. I switched up my daily smoothie by replacing the blueberries with mango. It worked great and tasted wonderful. Lesson of the day: I know realize why sliced mango is so pricey in the supermarket. Mangoes are a pain to cut up!

After spending another quality 20 minutes with Jillian doing my Shred session for the day, I decided to make a Mediterranean Couscous salad for dinner. I had had something similar at Tara and Derek’s, and it was a cool summer salad dinner type day. Although I have eaten a ton of couscous, this was my first experience cooking it. I opted for a box of the Trader Joes brand and followed the instructions exaxtly on the box.

Although I followed the instructions exactly, there was a slight issue. Who knew it was possible to burn pasta? Under the layer of perfectly cooked couscous, I discovered a hard crunchy layer that was black ridiculously difficult to get out of the pan. I managed to salvage as much as possible, but some had to be trashed.

While the couscous was cooling off, I went to the garden and picked some fresh basil. It smelled amazing.

I also added carrots, chickpeas, tomatoes, onions, cucumber, black olives, green beans, feta, olive oil and lemon juice.

All and all, it was a wonderful relaxing day, but I admit, a little uneventful. Tomorrow’s post should be a bit more exciting. I have a date night planned with Kelly, one of my best friends. I’m excited!

Entry filed under: Uncategorized. Tags: .