• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Home
  • about
  • Pug Partners
  • contact/pr
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • LinkedIn
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter

Runs With Pugs

ok, the pugs don't run, but we do

  • race reports
  • Travel
  • Recipes
  • Link Ups
  • instagram Landing Page

The Latest

race report: florida striders memorial day 5K (5.29.03)

we did it: summer vacation

it’s time for may runfessions

You are here: Home / Uncategorized / food, reframed

food, reframed

July 9, 2013      16 Comments

In the past week, I’ve touched on all the negatives of my post-op condition.

There are a few positives, though. Some I was expecting, such as dropping some weight. Others, I was not, such as my body’s reaction to food.

The return to eating solid food has been an incredibly slow process. Not only do I still have some pain in my throat, I also am unable to open my mouth all the way, my jaws get incredibly tired from chewing, and because I’ve been “choke-swallowing” (a term the ENT used), I really have to focus on swallowing properly so nothing gets stuck. Additionally, my stomach’s capacity has definitely reduced in size, from not being utilized.

While it is incredibly frustrating (because after a week of Gatorade and applesauce, I would love nothing more than to fall face first into a platter of very unhealthy cheese fries), I am choosing to see this as an opportunity to restructure my relationship with food. It’s extremely difficult to hit the reset button on things like eating, so when chances like this come up, where one has a little extra “help”, it seems foolish to not take advantage.

Since consuming food has become such an exhausting endeavor, I am absolutely no longer tempted to have snacks. Not only am I not particularly hungry for them, but the effort required makes it seem not worthwhile. For some reason, my cravings have been for fresh fruits (especially watermelon), so if I can manage a little extra eating, I head straight for the fruit.

Another change is that I have been choosing my meals more carefully. Because my portions are much smaller and more infrequent, I need to pack in as much punch as possible. We’ve been eating out quite a bit because we have family visiting and I’m not up to cooking huge meals, and I find myself choosing and focusing on proteins more than carbs and side dishes. I’ve never been much of a meat eater, but I’m acquiring a little bit of a taste for the stuff. I’ve been able to eat some blackened mahi, soft pulled pork and cut up hamburger patties, all of which have given me energy and filled me up. While pastas and breads are soft and easier for me to chew, I am still having some difficulty swallowing them successfully, so I haven’t had much of a taste for them.

The one thing I really want is a big, fresh salad, with lots of veggies, but I’m kind of scared the lettuce will get stuck going down, so it will be a little while before I attempt that particular challenge.  Soon, though. Soon.

I still have about a week before I can start seriously exercising again, which I admit, is stressing me out in the calorie-burning department. I had to order some new clothes since I have a lot of things that are starting to fall off me, and I’d like to continue in that direction. It will be easier once I can get going on some workouts.

It hasn’t been easy, but I am glad for the chance to get my eating habits back on track. The tonsillectomy, while frustrating in many way, has given me the ability to sit back and reevaluate the way I see what I am putting in my mouth and what I am using to fuel my body. Don’t get me wrong. I still have a date with those cheese fries at some time in the not-so-distant future, but they will definitely be a one-off.

Do you try to make the best of not-so-great situations?

Are you a glass half full or half empty kind of person?

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Matilda says

    July 9, 2013 at 11:57 am

    I like to think that the glass is half full, but in reality it’s half empty.
    But in saying that you could say 50% water %50 air = 100% so the glass is always full.

    Have you thought about smoothies? I mean it’s summer (where you are), so put in as much veggies as you can (like kale or spinach) into a blender with added protein powder and you’ll be hitting your macro’s for sure.
    Matilda recently posted…Blogilates ChallengeMy Profile

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      July 9, 2013 at 12:26 pm

      LOL! Some deep thoughts for the morning.

      I hate smoothies. Part of it is texture, part of it is that I hate drinking calories (unlesss it’s wine or beer). I would much rather chew. I don’t really enjoy milkshakes, juice, or anything like that. Makes it difficult. I do eat a lot of fruits and veggies on their own, so I’m ok on that front, but I just can’t bring myself to drink a smoothie.

      Reply
  2. Amanda @ There Are 2 Sides says

    July 9, 2013 at 12:41 pm

    Every time I read about your recovery, I relive everything that I went through when I recovered from this surgery. Like I said, I would do it every year if I had to, just to skip the infections I was getting, sometimes twice a month.
    I just tried to hit as much protein as I could. Then a few weeks later I was able to eat smaller portions of real food, like cheese fries.
    Amanda @ There Are 2 Sides recently posted…5 on the 4thMy Profile

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      July 9, 2013 at 12:54 pm

      Oh, man. I don’t know if I would say I would do it every year. This has been a rough go!

      But, hopefully, this is the last post about it. I just found it really interesting how some other good has come from it and how I’m able to use it towards my fitness and overall health goals. 🙂

      Reply
  3. Kristin Smith @ A Mom on the Run says

    July 9, 2013 at 2:41 pm

    I try to be “glass is half full” but it can be hard sometimes.

    I’m so glad to hear that you’re feeling better, I hope the next week flies by for you!
    Kristin Smith @ A Mom on the Run recently posted…How to Eat SpaghettiMy Profile

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      July 9, 2013 at 9:46 pm

      You’re pretty positive.

      🙂
      runswithpugs recently posted…food, reframedMy Profile

      Reply
  4. Tina@GottaRunNow says

    July 9, 2013 at 6:33 pm

    Sounds like a good reason to go clothes shopping! Hope you can swallow easily soon!
    Tina@GottaRunNow recently posted…Running by Effort in a 5 Pocket SkirtMy Profile

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      July 9, 2013 at 9:46 pm

      I just got a few dresses from Old Navy in the mail today. It’s a pretty good feeling.
      runswithpugs recently posted…food, reframedMy Profile

      Reply
  5. Debbie @ DebRuns says

    July 9, 2013 at 7:07 pm

    I’m definitely a glass half-full kind of girl! I’m happy to see your post focusing on the positive side of your surgery. I’m sure it’s been a LONG recovery, but it’s good that you are looking at the bright side of things now. Hope you feel better and better each day!
    Debbie @ DebRuns recently posted…Motivated to RunMy Profile

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      July 9, 2013 at 9:47 pm

      It’s eternal!!!! I was prepared, but I don’t know that you can ever be prepared entirely.

      If I wasn’t positive about it, I think I would be curled up under the blankets, unable to function. It has not been fun. Necessary? Probably. But not fun.
      runswithpugs recently posted…food, reframedMy Profile

      Reply
  6. lynda @fitnessmomwinecountry says

    July 10, 2013 at 12:25 am

    Glass half full ALWAYS!! I practice that every day for sure and am looking for the most positive of each situation. Sounds like you are getting on the mend and will be enjoying the healthier foods, which is great. I know when really “cleaned” food and went super clean over a year ago, I have never felt better and you are right, after some time we don’t miss the junk 🙂

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      July 10, 2013 at 1:20 pm

      I am so hopeful to get some fresh, raw veggies in the next few days. I think I may finally be able to swallow them! So looking forward to it!

      Reply
  7. jan says

    July 10, 2013 at 2:42 am

    I’m just catching up on all of your posts. I’m so sorry your recovery has been so rough! It sounds like you’re taking it all in stride and getting in as much as you can. I’m glad you were able to enjoy the fourth a bit and enjoy some pampering at the salon! I’m sure I’d be a much bigger baby about it.
    jan recently posted…13 Goals for 2013 UpdateMy Profile

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      July 10, 2013 at 1:19 pm

      Oh, don’t get me wrong. I was a pretty big baby last weekend 🙂 Thank goodness it was just a one time thing. With a five year old, I knew that I wouldn’t be able to be down for long. By this weekend, I hope to be back to 100%

      Reply
  8. Maria @ Lil Mys Ninja says

    July 11, 2013 at 11:36 am

    It’s frustrating I know but no worries, you’ll get right back at it in no time! Hope you heal quickly!
    I can be both a half empty and a half full glass type of person, I think it just depends on the situation. But when I’m not feeling good at all, I’m such a baby. I’d totally be a half empty glass person.
    Maria @ Lil Mys Ninja recently posted…Get Custom Fitted by Kindrunner!My Profile

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      July 13, 2013 at 7:57 pm

      My brother-in-law said the same thing about being back at it. I hope you all are right. Tomorrow will tell!

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

CommentLuv badgeShow more posts

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

well, hello there…

bio
Welcome to Runs With Pugs. My name is Jenn and this is the story of my love affair with running and finding myself through fitness. From C25K to marathon, from triathlon to SUP, from broken leg to the recovery journey... I'm sharing it all. I'm a wife and mother of one, living in NE Florida, in love with travel, adventure, and food. Oh. We have pugs and a hedgehog, too. Thank you for joining us! We're glad to have you along for the ride!
Follow on Bloglovin


Save 25% on your ROADiD order here

Pinterest

find what you’re looking for

recently

  • race report: florida striders memorial day 5K (5.29.03)
  • we did it: summer vacation
  • it’s time for may runfessions
  • our top tips to care for runners’ feet
  • one week until summer vacation

Facebook Likes

archives

Footer

disclaimer

I am not a doctor or medical professional, nor do I play one on the internet. This blog reflects my personal experiences on my own fitness and running journey, and the processes that work for me. Before you begin any exercise regiment, please consult your physician.
Team Bears Bocce Battlestar Galactica made it to t Team Bears Bocce Battlestar Galactica made it to the third round of the 2nd Annual Bocce Fest, benefitting @stronglikesteve!

This is always such a great community event, centered around an incredibly inclusive event and with proceeds going to provide awareness, community outreach, education, advocacy and funding for organizations and individuals caring for adults with intellectual and developmental differences.

Founder @steph_sanalila does such a wonderful job with this event, making a fun environment for players, creating volunteer opportunities for local students and honoring the memory of her brother.

Visit https://www.stronglikestevefoundation.org/about for more info on how you can help!

#boccefest #bearsboccebattlestargalactica #worldgolfvillage #worldgolfliving #bocce #stronglikesteve #bethechange #makeadifference
The pug side eye side eye. @lunanleonidas #pug The pug side eye side eye.

@lunanleonidas

 #pug #sweetlunapug

 #pugpuppy #puglife #pugsandkisses #pugbaby #pugsofinstagram #pugstagram #grumbleinc #grumble #pugstagram #pugworld #carlino #thetomcoteshow #dogstagram #petstagram #pugoftheday #pugsdaily #pugstyle #904dogs #keelysafternoontea #pugfeaturedaily #pugclub #dailybarker #woofpackbros #woofpackbros4life #woofpackhotties #woofpackkitties #woofpackfamily #dogsconnectingtheworld
Drinking in that sunshine for sure! It was a bea Drinking in that sunshine for sure! 

It was a beautiful morning that turned quickly into a beautiful day. Sundays are hard because they are immediately  followed by Mondays, and Mondays are hard.

Lots to catch up on this week! April is chock full of holidays, birthdays, days off, and events, so let’s get to it!

#Running #streakingwiththecoolkids
About this morning… I was up and out early to d About this morning…

I was up and out early to drive to Flagler Beach for the #Missionpossible5k.

It was a small, well organized event, with an easy-to-follow course (the last mile was almost exclusively an ocean view), with great shirts and swag.

I was really pleased with my performance, and even more pleased with this beach sunrise. I’ll share more on the #RunnersRundown on Wednesday, so stay tuned!

Where did you run or race this weekend?

#Running #streakingwiththecoolkids
Oh, hello long sleeves. I’m here for it. So goo Oh, hello long sleeves. I’m here for it.

So good to stretch the legs today. I was super sore after a @runsmartofficial cross training session last night, and needed to just get out there and let the fresh air work its magic.

What are you up to today? I really need to take a moment with my calendar and get some plans locked into place. 

#running #streakingwiththecoolkids
He’s gonna get it, one of these days. 🍌 @lu He’s gonna get it, one of these days. 🍌 

@lunanleonidas 

 #pug #sweetlunapug

 #pugpuppy #puglife #pugsandkisses #pugbaby #pugsofinstagram #pugstagram #grumbleinc #grumble #pugstagram #pugworld #carlino #thetomcoteshow #dogstagram #petstagram #pugoftheday #pugsdaily #pugstyle #904dogs #keelysafternoontea #pugfeaturedaily #pugclub #dailybarker #woofpackbros #woofpackbros4life #woofpackhotties #woofpackkitties #woofpackfamily #dogsconnectingtheworld #cheesetax
Check out those blue skies! I got to sleep in AND Check out those blue skies!

I got to sleep in AND take advantage of some cooler temps. It really didn’t warm up until my last mile and that was just fine.

I feel like this month and next are really just flying by. So much is going on, and I want so badly to enjoy it all, including the crisp, sunny days where we find them!

#Running #streakingwiththecoolkids
Kind of a meh day. I got in some walking miles and Kind of a meh day. I got in some walking miles and some balance and strength work through @runsmartofficial.

Tomorrow will be cooler and more productive for sure!

#running #streakingwiththecoolkids
Happy Monday! I don’t know about you all, but y Happy Monday!

I don’t know about you all, but your girl is TIRED. It is so hard to roll out of bed some mornings. Ugh. 

I managed (finally) and banked six miles in some gross humidity. And now it’s time for some self care and then back to work.

Also. We have somehow acquired a pecan tree? Any tips on the growth and care of this would be greatly appreciated!

#Running #streakingwiththecoolkids
Sunday fun day! Just a short walk to start the da Sunday fun day!

Just a short walk to start the day and work out some stiffness. Some days, my ankle just doesn’t want to cooperate 🫤

I have been making graphics and content all day for a client, and now I’m about to do hair and makeup for a little event. Wheee! 

This week is going to be BUSY! There’s a lot of changes to the regular routines (nails, a digital learning day, after school and weekend programming) and I have a race on Saturday and bocce ball on Sunday! 

Who else is ready to dive in?!

#Running #streakingwiththecoolkids

Copyright © 2023 · Wordpress Theme by Hello Yay!