It bit me again
Hey everyone! How’s your day going?? Mine has been bueno—it started out with a lovely 5.25 mile run on the revolving apparatus of death treadmill.
Michelle and I keep trying to run outside, but it keeps raining, and we keep getting destined to the ghetto gym. I have to be careful which treadmill I choose because some don’t change speeds– kind of a critical component of a treadmill 😉 I ran the first 4 miles at 6.2 mph, then did 1 mile of intervals (1 min at 6.5, 20 seconds at 7.5) then cooled down for .25 miles. It was glorious and that little run made me feel good all day today 😀
I had a tropical sludge before leaving to school:
When we got to class, a gigantic thingie (technical term) of wheatgrass was on the counter and we learned about the benefits of wheatgrass (click if you are interested in all of the crazy awesome things it can do). I knew it was good for you, I knew it tasted a lot like GRASS, but had no idea that it can do so much for your body. Amazing. I’ll definitely be drinking it more often.
We made a green juice (mine had 1/2 apple, lots of kale, spinach, 1/2 lemon, 1/2 cucumber)
And an apple grass juice (with 1/2 apple, ginger and a shot of wheatgrass)
Next, we got working on some pistachio cacao biscotti which I have to say was the first culinary abomination of my experience at 105degrees. I think there was a typo in the recipe, because it was dry, crumbly and might be destined for compost city. We’ll see what happens when they come out of the dehydrators:
We checked on our sprouts (mine were done! Ready to munch)
(Wheat, millet, amaranth, barley)
And got our raw pizza crusts (from Friday) out of the fridge along with our pine nut cheese, marinated mushrooms and grape tomatoes
Topped our pizzas with the cheese and veggies (then put back into the dehydrator to warm up)
And made a simple green salad to go with:
I de-simplified my salad by adding hemp seeds, 1/2 avocado, chili pepper flakes, sprouts, wine vinegar and a teeny bit of olive oil.
Plopped said salad beast atop my pizza:
And DEVOURED 😀
When we got back in from lunch, we had a coconut-hacking assignment.
You know what happened last time, so I was a little apprehensive about cracking another case of Young Thai coconuts open with my culinary machete.
And (shocker), I cut myself:
It wasn’t nearly as bad as last time though. New goal: open coconuts without drawing blood.
We made a couple of other awesome goodies (snack food!!!) but I’ll tell ya about that next time I see you—I’ve gotta run to work because Kelly got an insane order of raw ice cream and tiramisu. Guess what I’ll be making tonight??? 😉
I just wanted to thank all of you for continuing to read my little bloggy while I’m off at school, because things have been way to frantic for me to catch up on the blog world as much as I would like to. You know I love each and every one of you, and I’m thinking about you as my Google reader continues to explode. I can read blogs on the crackberry during breaks, but I just want to say thank you for sticking with me even though I’ve had to be a little distanced from the blogosphere.
Have a great night and I’ll talk to ya later.
Much love,
G$
Does anyone else who’s on their feet all day have any tips from keeping my back from feeling like someone punched me??? I thought I was invincible, but it’s starting to get a little achy back there!
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Great job on the mileage! Sorry the coconut attacked you again. You’ll get it next time!
Good luck on the coconut hacking! Do you guys just hold it and hack at the top with the cleaver? I learned to shave the top and then crack the shell. I’m sure it’s not as fast but I haven’t cut myself yet…a huge surprise if you know me 😉
Gina, so sorry about your finger again.
I take Arnica Montana 30C (it’s homeopathy…you can get it at a health food store or a whole foods market). It’s for trauma, bruises, and muscle soreness, among other things. It’s usually about $6 – $9.00.
It always helps my back, among other things! I take 3 pellets 3 – 4 times/day as needed!
Best
Gina, about opening up those coconuts…hubby says to use a chainsaw…lol!
Hi Gina! Love all these posts from school—you’re really making me think about going part-raw! As for your sore back, invest (not really–they’re cheap) in a pair of Crocs Professionals. While they’re not the snazziest shoes in my closet, they are super comfy and are great for long hours on your feet. I often have to do food trade shows for my job, where I’m on my feet for 10-12 hours at a time. I bought my Croc Pro’s for about $25, and they keep me up and pain free wayyy better than my old expensive chef clogs. AND they come in pink!
So sorry that you cut yourself again. And I wish I had some advice for those long days on your feet! I often worked double shifts at a restaurant in college so I know how you feel. It always made me feel better to take a couple minutes every so often to rotate my ankles and then prop my feet up as soon as I got home!!! Hope you find something that helps!
Great Pizza, try not to hurt yourself anymore girl. Coconut hacking looks dangerous.
I sometimes lay on a heating pad for a while so the heat can loosen some of the stiff and achy muscles. I also have some stretches that my chiropractor gave me just to loosen the lower back muscles. Laying in bed, pull your knees one at a time up to your chest and hold for a count of 10. Let go, repeat on other side. Also, standing, cross feet and bend to the floor, breathing, to count of 10. These might seem simple but they worked for me!
Coconuts are mean little things aren’t they?! Tiramisu is my FAVORITE dessert – I hope you get the chance to shoot some glamor shots of it 🙂
I just read TODAY in Julie/Julia that chef clogs (I’m thinking kinda like crocs) are excellent to curb back pain when behind the stove/sink/counter…
What are you wearing for shoes- could you get some inserts that a bit more cushy and workout socks that have a bit of compression in them.
Ouch! Hope your finger heals fast. I used to be a server, and if I didn’t have good shoes, I was no good. Make sure they have arch support and good cushioning!
Well, you look like a natural in the kitchen ;)! And you are kind of making me crave raw food! Haha
Sarah
I used to be a makeup artist and would have to stand all day at the makeup counters. For the first couple of weeks, everything ached (have a hot bath at the end of the day!) but I got used to it after that. I do agree about good shoes and make sure you have good posture as much as possible. Good luck!
that pizza looks fantastic 🙂 Make sure you have really good supportive shoes on, and stretch during breaks.
Heehee, revolving apparatus of death. I’m so using that.
When I used to work 10 and 12 hour shifts I wore support hose…they did nothing, and were hot. I relied on ibuprofen and a heating pad more than I would have liked! Eventually you do get used to it, though. 🙁
Ouchie!! Be Careful, no more red blood sauce with coconuts. The feeling that you are getting in your back could be possible from shifting your weight from one leg to the other, feels good at the time but at the end of the day you’ll continue to feel daggers. Your feet should be parallel to your shoulders and knees slightly bent (do not lock them). Having your weight supported by a strong double foundation will make a huge difference at the end of 30 or 40 years on your feet, as will wearing great work shoes. Everyones preference is different, kind of like when picking out running shoes. (maybe try a moist heating pad or hot bath) Besitos, Madre, long time vetern of the standing work force
Gina, I absolutely LOVE reading about your kitchen shenanigans and all that you’re learning! Seriously, every post I’m like, “oooh what’s she going to make this time?” I’d be too pooped at the end of the day to enjoy blog reading, etc., so you’re amazing for keeping us updated. Have a lovely Monday night!
HI Gina! Love your blog! I have read the entire thing! It’s great! 🙂
Gina, I love reading all your school posts! Try getting a step stool or box and standing with one foot on it for a while, just to distribute your weight a little differently. Switch sides every half hour or so.
Your pizza looks bueno, but I wouldnt expect anything less from you raw goddesses over there! So sorryyyy bout your coco accident, take 2. Take care of that finger!
Tips for standing all day…I used to work in a nightclub where I was on my feet for 8+ hrs a day, 50 hrs a week. For years. The best thing and here’s my yoga teacher side coming out, is standing or seated forward bends. You need to counterbalance all the swayback action you get from standing for long periods with deep forward bends. Just sit down, legs straight, and lay over your knees for as long as you can, or til you fall asleep 🙂
We’ll stick with you in bloggie world, I am sure you feel very pulled in 20 million directions. Do your thing there, this world will always be here whereas that’s over in a blink of an eye.
xoxo
You might want to try Earth Shoes. They have vegan choices. They help you stand up straighter. Check out the website. I love mine!
Your food does look delicious.
OMG, I didn’t realize ALL of those benefits of wheatgrass!!! I knew there were alot, I just never knew it was that much! I will definately be drinking a glass a day from now on! Thanks so much for passing along the info!
Good luck in school… I am so jealous, it looks like a BLAST!
Too long have our people suffered the constant lacerations of the coconut nation. Sorry, I’m going a little crazy from late night paperwork. Love you!
Gina
Sorry about your back pain and coconut-related injury; that big ol’ knife is kinda scary looking in and of itself so I certainly applaud your culinary bravery in the face of such danger! I have the same issues if I am on my feet for extended periods of time and not moving around, so I am afraid I have no insight to offer. I find that if I sleep with a pillow between my knees at night I feel better in the morning; so that might be worth a try. I am truly enjoying your posts so you can be sure I’ll keep on reading! Take care and best of luck with those back issues.
Sally
Hi Gina! Your food continues to look amazing and I’ve really enjoyed reading about your school adventures! I think its so great that you’re doing this and you definitely shouldn’t feel bad about focusing on your classes! 🙂
Also, I think someone needs to talk to those mean coconuts – it is not acceptable!
Sorry to hear about your troubles with coconut. Check out a different method at: http://rawcanrollkitchen.com/.
That school looks and sounds so great! I would love to attend sometime. The food is just always gorgeous!!!
You need better shoes girl! No offense, but Crocs are crap, they are just rubber with no cushion/support. I’m a nurse, on my feet for 12-13 hours per day, so I’ve tried differt shoes. Try the Dansko brand of clogs. They are kind of pricey, about $100, but sooo worth it. Also, what works for me is the shoes that I wear for running, specific to my foot. Often, when I buy running shoes, I buy the same pair to wear for work. But the Dansko’s were the best in my opinion.
Love love love reading your blog adventures from school! Of course we will still be here to see what is goin’ on in the life o’ Gina – keep the awesome foodie recaps coming! 🙂
I’d be so afraid to cut anything with a knife that big! I love reading your blog!
lady, you know we’ll all be reading your blog no matter where you go!!!
and as far as the back pain goes…make sure to wear good shoes with good support. that was the only way i got through working 12 hr shifts at the chocolate store!!
1. good shoes with lots of support
2. take a minute now and again to do a stretch
3. lay down at the end of ur shift and bring your knees to your chest to loosen up those back muscles
I have a feeling you have probably already done all 3, but just in case you haven’t, give it a shot!
that raw pizza looks great ginaaa!
jenna
Hellllo wheatgrass! I didn’t realize there were so many benefits!
Mmmm that pizza looks delicious!
LOVE your blog no matter what adventures you are getting into 🙂
I am pretty sure all of this was said above, but as a former waitress, I recommend good shoes, yoga, and a heating pad!
oh no! Who knew coconuts were so dangerous??! Your pics look amazing as always – heart your apron’s green color, too! Your run sounds awesome – i’ve been hearing about intervals on a treadmill a lot lately. At first I thought it would be hard to set it back/forth/back/forth but it seems worth it!
Diabetic socks (compression) can really help with leg pain, and when your legs aren’t sore or stiff, you’ll maintain a more even spread of the weight. Keeping moving or strething during any break or between tasks can also help. Offer to help your neighbors put things away/take things to the dish pit. They’ll thank you and so will your body!
The back pain could also come from knife work rather than standing. It ends up hurting all over. Try to stand straight and lower your elbow when doing heavy knife projects rather than hunching over your board. Its strange at first, but you just need a little muscle memory. Kitchens are typically designed for men (tall!), so you have to think about your posture while you are working.
Best of luck!
I’ll eat your biscotti.
Comfy footwear is key to not having back pain, at least for me. Oh and surgery and vicodin 😉
To echo others above, footwear is the key. I used to wear Merrill clogs when i was on my feet for 10+ hours a day. They are super comfy and reasonably priced (about $80).
Good sneakers will save your back and feet! If you can’t afford a good comfy pair, then even just the gel inserts will help. Plus laying on the ground and pulling your knees up into your chest will help too. Also make sure you’re not locking your knees into place. Hope this helps!
Gina, I love your regular posts, but your 105degrees posts are amazing too! You inspire me to cook more and learn new (healthy) recipes!
So my dad was a chef for a while when I was growing up. For his back pain he made sure to buy those rubber kitchen mats to stand on, and wear really comfortable shoes. Nurses, like my mom, swear by Dansko clogs, but I know there are a lot of other well respected options out there.
Good luck!
Gina, Please don’t feel one bit bad about not being able to read blogs. You’re off living your dream right now. Those that matter fully understand. 😀
Get it girl!!!
Hey Gina –
No need to thank us for keeping reading while you’re at school. Your posts are just as awesome as ever! (and inspiring)
People are bang on, with the shoe comments and the “keeping moving” comments. Stretch out your lower back a bit on breaks (both flexion and extension and side to side ‘wiggling’). The other comment I have, is to actually seek out a chiropractor. Anyone on their feet all day will be sore after some time (until they are used to it), but if your body isn’t in the best alignment possible it can sometimes make it a bit worse. Good to keep all your SI joints and lumbar spine moving around while you’re standing in one place all day. Take some time to stretch, mobilize and do some knee lifts. (If you can during a break, lie on your floor and hug your knees to just let things relax a bit). But really – seek out a good chiropractor while you’re there, could really do wonders! (Beyond just getting your body’s communication systems up and running tip top!)
Because you don’t have enough going on…..
http://www.clubmedinsider.com/thoughts/view/94:food-blogger-camp-shares-recipes-for-success/
I noticed someone mentioned those rubber kitchen mats. I’m a nurse, and we used to have one of those at each bedside and I swear, they were better than any shoes we could use.
I’m loving reading about your adventures!
I have lower bk pain from heels and working retail and here’s how I cope: put one foot on a stool, shelf, or just anything that’s like a foot tall…just to get the pressure off your lower back. I even do it while ironing and doing my makeup.